Gerd Binnig

On November 30, 2016, Gerd Binnig was awarded the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience, recognizing his seminal contributions to nanotechnologies, including the development of the scanning tunneling microscope. The prize celebrated his continued impact on the field and innovation, underscoring his role in expanding the technological frontiers of nanoscience.

In 1990, Gerd Binnig founded Definiens, a company focused on advancing medical image processing. The company aimed to apply the precision and analysis capabilities seen in microscopy to the medical field. Definiens developed software to assist in medical diagnostics and research, leveraging Binnig's expertise in imaging and analysis.

In 1987, Gerd Binnig co-invented the atomic force microscope (AFM) along with Calvin Quate and Christoph Gerber. Building on the principles of the scanning tunneling microscope, the AFM expanded the scope of microscopy to non-conductive surfaces and operated in various environments, becoming a versatile tool in materials science and biology.

Gerd Binnig, along with Heinrich Rohrer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for their work in the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Their groundbreaking instrument enabled scientists to study surfaces at the atomic scale, providing unprecedented insights into material properties and facilitating advancements in nanoscience and technology.

In 1981, Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer invented the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at IBM Zurich. This revolutionary instrument allowed scientists to view surfaces at the atomic level for the first time, fundamentally altering the field of surface science and aiding in the development of nanotechnology. The STM works by measuring electron tunneling between a sharp tip and the surface being studied.

In 1978, Gerd Binnig began working at the IBM Research Laboratory in Zurich, Switzerland. His work at IBM would lead him to collaborate with Heinrich Rohrer on the development of the scanning tunneling microscope. This period marked the beginning of significant advancements in the field of microscopy and opened new avenues in nanotechnology research.

Gerd Binnig was born on July 20, 1947, in Frankfurt, Germany. He is known for his significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the development of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Binnig's early years and education laid the foundation for his later groundbreaking work in microscopy and nanotechnology.