A microbeam is a beam of light or high energy particles that is focused to a very small size in order to inspect or manipulate materials at a microscopic level. Some synonyms for microbeam include nanobeam, ultra-fine beam, ultra-thin beam, microparticle beam, and microprobe. Each of these terms denotes a highly focused beam that can be used to study the properties of materials at a very small scale. Microbeams are used in a wide range of applications, including materials science, bioengineering, and nanotechnology. With advancements in technology, microbeam instruments have become increasingly precise and powerful, allowing scientists to observe and manipulate materials at the atomic scale.