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Controlling Quantum Tunneling with Light

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CAMBRIDGE, England, April 6, 2012 — For the first time, light was used to demonstrate quantum tunneling, pushing electrons through a classically impenetrable barrier. Particles normally cannot pass through walls, but if they are small enough quantum mechanics says that it can happen. This occurs during the production of radioactive decay and in many chemical reactions, as well as in scanning tunneling microscopes. “The trick to telling electrons how to pass through walls is to now marry them with light,” said professor Jeremy Baumberg of Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. The...Read full article

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    Published: April 2012
    Glossary
    quantum mechanics
    The science of all complex elements of atomic and molecular spectra, and the interaction of radiation and matter.
    Basic ScienceCavendish Laboratorycavity photonsdipolaritonselectron oscillationelectrons breaking through impenetrable barrierEnglandEuropeJeremy BaumbergMicroscopymirrorsOpticsPeter Cristofoliniquantum mechanicsquantum tunnelingResearch & TechnologysemiconductorssuperconductorssuperfluidsUniversity of Cambridge

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