Scanning tunnelling microscope

Built on

• Quantum mechanicsRecorded · 1925enables
• TransistorRecorded · 1947requires
• Integrated circuitRecorded · 1958requires
• Plenty of Room at the BottomRecorded · 1959enables

Led to

• Atomic force microscopeRecorded · 1986enables
• Atoms moved one by oneRecorded · 1989enables
• Quantum materials by designForecast · ~2042requires
• Atom-by-atom lab instrumentsForecast · ~2056requires

Sources & evidence

• Additional source

Dataset updated 2026-10-18. This individual record has not been separately re-reviewed.