Integrated Circuits in and under the Microscope

1 The most sophisticated members of the integrated circuit family are microprocessors that serve as the central processing units of modern calculators and computers. Microprocessors have found their way into a myriad of everyday appliances such as radio, television, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves ovens, automobiles, motorcycles, electronic watches, cameras, bicycle, odometers, and home security systems. In the scientific arena, microprocessors are now found in such simple instruments as pH meters, thermometers, balances, pipettes, and even the simple light microscope. Michael W. Davidson Institute of Molecular Biophysics and Center for Materials Research and Technology, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306