Gerd Binnig

Explore the significant milestones in the life and career of Gerd Binnig, the German physicist known for co-inventing the scanning tunneling microscope. Discover his contributions to nanotechnology, his Nobel Prize win, and key moments in his scientific journey.

Born: July 20, 1947
Physicist
Goethe University Frankfurt

20 juli 1947

1 januari 1978

1 januari 1981

15 oktober 1986

1 januari 1987

1 januari 1990

30 november 2016

20juli
1947
20 July 1947

Gerd Binnig's Birth

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.

01januari
1978
01 January 1978

Binnig Begins Work at IBM

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.

01januari
1981
01 January 1981

Invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope

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.

15oktober
1986
15 October 1986

Nobel Prize in Physics

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.

01januari
1987
01 January 1987

Co-Invention of the Atomic Force Microscope

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.

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01januari
1990
01 January 1990

Gerd Binnig Founds Definiens

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.

30november
2016
30 November 2016

Gerd Binnig Receives Kavli Prize

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.

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