The resolution of atomic structure: recent advances in the theory and development of the field ion microscope

Abstract

In the twelve years since its discovery, the field ion microscope has developed from an interesting technique into a useful research tool. The processes of field ionization and field evaporation are qualitatively well understood, but a quantitative theory of field evaporation and experimental data on this process are now urgently required. The most important recent developments in the technique have been the use of neon as the image gas instead of helium and the introduction of image intensification. There seems to be no reason why the technique should not be used in the study of all the common transition metals.