Subatomic resolution force microscopy reveals internal structure and adsorption sites of small iron clusters

Metal clusters really close-up Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to reveal subatomic structures. By this means, Emmrich et al. found that individual copper and iron atoms formed toroidal structures on a copper surface. These shapes arise from the electrostatic attractions in the center of the atoms and Pauli repulsions at their edges. Individual atoms within clusters have underlying surface symmetry and can bind to different surface sites as clusters form. Science , this issue p. 308