Atoms tunnelling through a metal surface

webstellar

Hey guys.i have heard it has been experimentally proved that even atoms can tunnel through a metal surface.I tried searching all over the web but just could not get any references on that.So,is that true?if somebody know where i can read more about that experimental proof,please point it out.

thanks a lot in advance.

zonde

I don't think that tunneling of atoms goes further then this:
Quantum tunneling of Hydrogen in Niobium

Academic

Im not sure how anything could not have the ability to tunnel. ???

alxm

Hydrogen tunnels all over the place. Although it still is 'mostly' classical, in that a classical model will usually account for most of its motion, statistically speaking.

But since tunneling rates drop off exponentially with mass, the effect disappears quickly for heavier atoms.

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webstellar	Atoms tunnelling through a metal surface Tweet Hey guys.i have heard it has been experimentally proved that even atoms can tunnel through a metal surface.I tried searching all over the web but just could not get any references on that.So,is that true?if somebody know where i can read more about that experimental proof,please point it out. thanks a lot in advance.

zonde Recognitions: Gold Member	I don't think that tunneling of atoms goes further then this: Quantum tunneling of Hydrogen in Niobium

Academic	Im not sure how anything could not have the ability to tunnel. ???

alxm Recognitions: Science Advisor	Atoms tunnelling through a metal surface Hydrogen tunnels all over the place. Although it still is 'mostly' classical, in that a classical model will usually account for most of its motion, statistically speaking. But since tunneling rates drop off exponentially with mass, the effect disappears quickly for heavier atoms.