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:
http://tabish.freeshell.org/physics/nboh/"

 

[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.