Atom-Probe Microscopy LEAPs the Chasm to Mainstream Applications

Abstract

In the now classic marketing text, Crossing the Chasm, Geoffrey Moore describes the difficult transition every successful new technology must make as it evolves from laboratory curiosity to mainstream acceptance. Essentially the transition consists of a radical shift in focus, from exploring the possibilities that fill the minds of visionaries and innovators to satisfying the practical concerns of pragmatists and conservatives who are more interested in integration with existing technologies and return on investment. Initial development of the atom probe was motivated primarily by scientific curiosity and the desire to do novel research with a new microscopy technique. As the technology matured the focus of development efforts shifted to expanding the applications space and improving practical performance in areas such as sensitivity, fidelity, productivity, and ease of use.