Abstract:
Atoms are one of the most fundamental building blocks of the known physical world. Precise manipulation of atoms enables the creation of entirely new materials from the bottom up, leading to the construction of devices and systems with disruptive performance. Therefore, atom manufacturing is not only the ultimate capability pursued by the manufacturing technologies, but also a playground of atomic scale quantum theory, and a future technology, even the future state of physical sciences. This article briefly introduces the technology of atomically precise manipulation and its amplification and integration using atomic cluster beam, scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic-layer heterostructures, and other single-atom systems as examples, and explores the significance and future prospects of atom manufacturing.