tunnel effect

American  

noun

1. Physics.  a quantum-mechanical process by which a particle can pass through a potential energy barrier that is higher than the energy of the particle: first postulated to explain the escape of alpha particles from atomic nuclei.

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tunnel effect British  

noun

1. physics the phenomenon in which an object, usually an elementary particle, tunnels through a potential barrier even though it does not have sufficient energy to surmount the barrier. It is explained by wave mechanics and is the cause of alpha decay, field emission, and certain conduction processes in semiconductors

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Etymology

Origin of tunnel effect

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

For three hours, we hiked in the shade of arching tree branches that created a tunnel effect.

From Washington Post

Stacks of cardboard boxes lined the narrow hallway, creating a tunnel effect.

From Salon

When you do any kind of night hiking, your headlamp can create a tunnel effect, and at first, none of us could see more than a few feet beyond the edge of the road.

From Seattle Times

“The scenery, seeing the bridge light up, it’s a pretty nice effect, going through the tunnel effect. I know a lot of people come from out of town just to see them.”

From Washington Times

“Most of the pollen in New York City actually comes to us along the prevailing winds, which move west to east. The tall buildings can make allergy symptoms worse by creating a ‘wind tunnel’ effect.”

From New York Times