The new method, called spin-excitation spectroscopy, uses IBM's low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope designed for use with a broad range of magnetic fields up to 140,000 times stronger than the Earth's. The researchers first move atoms into position and then measure the interactions between their atomic spins, which are the fundamental sources of magnetism.

IBM researchers expect to use this new technique in the future to do the following:

-- Explore the limits of magnetic data storage.

-- Determine the feasibility of spin-based wires and a spin version of the molecular-motion cascade.

-- Investigate how engineered spin inter-actions could be applied to quantum information systems.