photon tunnelling
"Photon tunnelling" describes a quantum mechanical phenomenon where photons traverse barriers that classical physics deems impenetrable.
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Definition
C2Quantum Mechanics
(technical, academic)A process where photons pass through a barrier or gap they would classically be unable to cross.
Example
- Photon tunnelling is crucial for understanding certain aspects of quantum optics.
- The concept of photon tunnelling helps explain how light can transmit through very narrow apertures.
C2Electromagnetic Theory
(technical, academic)The transmission of light through a barrier via evanescent waves, even when photons lack sufficient energy to overcome the barrier classically.
Example
- Photon tunnelling can be observed in experiments involving total internal reflection.