Heinrich Rohrer was a Swiss physicist renowned for his significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology. Born on June 6, 1933, in Buchs, Switzerland, Rohrer pursued his higher education at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), where he completed his Ph.D. in 1960.
Rohrer, along with his colleague Gerd Binnig, co-invented the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) in 1981 while working at IBM Zurich Research Laboratory. This invention was revolutionary as it allowed scientists to visualize and manipulate individual atoms for the first time.
The STM works by scanning a sharp metal tip very close to a surface and measuring the resulting tunneling current. This technique enables researchers to obtain atomic-scale images of a material's surface, making it an invaluable tool in surface science and nanotechnology. It paved the way for further innovations such as the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and has had a profound impact on materials science, biology, and semiconductors.
For their groundbreaking work, Rohrer and Binnig were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986, shared with Ernst Ruska, the inventor of the electron microscope. This recognition not only underscored the importance of their discovery but also highlighted the burgeoning field of nanotechnology.
Rohrer's work laid the foundation for numerous advancements in nanotechnology. The ability to manipulate materials at the atomic level has revolutionized quantum computing, nanomedicine, and the development of nanomaterials. His contributions have inspired countless researchers and led to the development of new technologies that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Heinrich Rohrer passed away on May 16, 2013, but his legacy lives on through the continued advancements in nanotechnology. His pioneering work with the STM has not only broadened our understanding of the atomic world but has also opened up new avenues for research and innovation. Institutions worldwide continue to build upon his work, driving the field of nanotechnology forward.
