ScienceJuly 6, 2026
tunneling
/ˈtʌnəlɪŋ/
Definition
A quantum mechanical phenomenon where a particle passes through an energy barrier that it classically lacks the energy to surmount.
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'tunnel,' originating from the Old French 'tonnelle' (a net or vault). It entered English in the 15th century and was later adopted in quantum physics to describe particles 'burrowing' through barriers.
In the news
In this article, tunneling describes how electrons move between a metallic tip and a surface in a microscope, allowing researchers to observe electron motion at the attosecond scale. This process is the fundamental mechanism that enables high-precision scanning tunneling microscopy.
Ultrafast tunneling microscope reaches quantum space-time limit
Read the full article ↗Wiley Analytical Science