New directions in nanoscience: new challenges for surface analysis

This paper considers the challenges for surface analysis presented by the creation of new types of nanometre-scale structure. Such structures, with feature sizes in the range 1-100 nm, are central to the future development of semiconductor chip fabrication and also provide opportunities to address biological problems, especially the structure and function of protein molecules. The analysis of 'nanostructured surfaces' is likely to require both the further development of existing surface analysis methods and the invention of new techniques, especially if one wants to address molecular systems that are susceptible to irradiation damage or biological systems whose native environment is aqueous. One example of a new surface analysis technique, scanning probe energy-loss spectroscopy, is discussed, along with specific ideas for further innovations. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.