Spherical Patterns on a Copper Surface (IMAGE) Helmholtz Association Caption A scanning tunneling microscope recognizes spherical patterns on a copper surface (image section approx. nine times nine nanometers). These irregularities in electron distribution are caused by cobalt atoms deep inside the copper. Credit Forschungszentrum Jülich and Universität Göttingen, Germany Usage Restrictions Please provide credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.