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Scanning electronic microscopes can see and/or manipulate individual atoms. So, the answer to your question is simple: they took a look from the side and confirmed that it's 1 atom thick.

1. https://education.mrsec.wisc.edu/scanning-tunneling-microsco...



Small correction: Scanning tunneling microscopes can do that. They are basically a very sharp tip scanned across the surface.

Scanning electron microscopes, where a beam of electrons is rastered across the surface can not (yet?) resolve atoms.


* cannot resolve atoms on a surface, in transmission mode (STEM) and with the right sample, as in the article it's another story.


> Small correction: Scanning tunneling microscopes can do that.

Thanks! You're correct.




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