field-ion microscope

[ feeld-ahy-uh n, -ahy-on ]
/ ˈfildˌaɪ ən, -ˌaɪ ɒn /

noun

a device in which the atomic structure of the surface of a conductor is made visible by introducing helium gas into the device and applying a high voltage to ionize and accelerate the gas toward a fluorescent screen.
Also called ion microscope.
Compare field-emission microscope.

Origin of field-ion microscope

First recorded in 1950–55

Words nearby field-ion microscope

field winding, field work, field-effect transistor, field-emission microscope, field-holler, field-ion microscope, field-strip, field-test, fieldcraft, fielder, fielder's choice

Scientific definitions for field ion microscope

field ion microscope

A microscope that produces an image of a sample of molecules, or even individual atoms, on the surface of a metal tip. Gas atoms absorbed in the tip are positively ionized by an electric field, and the tip is given a strong positive electric charge, causing the ions to be repelled and thus fly away from the tip. The pattern that the ions form on a collecting surface provides an image of the sample on the tip.