Quantum Tunneling

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses quantum tunneling, which is a function of quantum-mechanical activity in the instance where a particle moves against potential energy and appears on the other side of the energy barrier. The paper describes the theory behind quantum tunneling. It focuses on the Esaki diode and looks at its potential uses now and in the future.

From the Paper:

"While the Esaki diode has not been widely used, its application is nearing widespread use in computers. The diode circuits have been developed and crash programs have been implemented by major computer makers in order to apply it to communications equipment. Yet there still is resistance to the use of these phenomenal little circuits, where currents may be reversed. Some designers and engineers prefer transistors. Proven circuits and solid-state technology that is already acceptable seem to be sufficient, they say. But interest in the diode is so great that they are being forced to try to apply this not-so-new technology to obtain ultra-high speed and ultra-low power consumption in the computer industry. The diode phenomenon dominated 1960 Physics Conferences."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Barrier Penetration." Hyperphysics. 2006. <http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/barr.html>.
• "Quantum Tunneling." Canada Connects: Quantum Physics. September 4, 2006. <http://www.canadaconnects.ca/quantumphysics/10067/10074/>.
• "Sony History: The Esaki Diode." Sony History. 2007. <http://www.sony.net/Fun/SH/1-7/h5.html>.
• Scrupski, Steve. "Wide Application of Esaki Diode Near." Electronic Design. March 6, 2000.
• Scrupski, Steve. "General Electric Transister Manual: The Fifth Edition." Electronic Design. October 2, 2000.

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