Quantum tunnelling composite. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Quantum tunnelling composites (or QTCs) are composite materials of metals ( blue) an
Quantum tunnelling composite. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Quantum tunnelling composites (or QTCs) are composite materials of metals ( blue) and non-conducting elastomeric binder, used as pressure sensors. They use quantum tunnelling: without pressure, the conductive elements are too far apart to conduct electricity; when pressure is applied, they move closer and electrons can tunnel through the insulator. The effect is far more pronounced than would be expected from classical (non-quantum) effects alone, as classical electrical resistance is linear (proportional to distance), while quantum tunnelling is exponential with decreasing distance, allowing the resistance to change by a factor of up to 1012 between pressured and unpressured states. QTC can be used to make membrane switches like those used on mobile phones, pressure sensors and speed controllers. Magnification X 75 @10cm
Size: 4809px × 3634px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: binder, cell, colored, coloured, composite, controllers, elastomeric, electrons, exponential, false, insulator, metal, mobile, phone, pressure, qtc, quantum, resistance, sem, sensors, speed, tunneling
