Shortly, in 1981, Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer invented the scanning tunneling microscope. With this instrument, scientists for the first time, was able to see and manipulate individual atoms. Four years later, researchers at Rice University discover fullerenes, more commonly known as buckyballs.  They can be used to make nanotubes, which today is one of the most ubiquitous nanomaterials.



     In 1986, the atomic force microscope was invented. It became one of the most important tools for imaging, measuring and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.