Search Results (27)

The Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principles, and the Boltzmann constant represent transformative scientific achievements, the impacts of which extend far beyond their original domain of physics. As we celebrate the centenary of these fundamental quantum mechanical formulations, this review examines their evolution from abstract mathematical concepts to essential tools in contemporary drug discovery and development. While these principles describe the behavior of subatomic particles and molecules at the quantum level, they have profound implications for understanding biological processes such as enzyme catalysis, receptor–ligand interactions, and drug–target binding. Quantum tunneling, a direct consequence of these principles, explains how some reactions occur despite classical energy barriers, enabling novel therapeutic approaches for previously untreatable diseases. This understanding of quantum mechanics from 100 years ago is now creating innovative approaches to drug discovery with diverse prospects, as explored in this review. However, the fact that the quantum phenomenon can be described but never understood places us in a conundrum with both philosophical and ethical implications; a prospective and inconclusive discussion of these aspects is added to ensure the incompleteness of the paradigm remains unshifted. Full article

The study determines the frequency–temperature dependence of the conductivity of a moist solid insulation component of power transformers, impregnated with the innovative bio-oil NYTRO^® BIO 300X, manufactured from plant-based raw materials. The research was conducted for six moisture levels ranging from 0.6% to 5% by weight, within a frequency range from 10⁻⁴ Hz to 5 · 10³ Hz and measurement temperatures from 20 °C to 70 °C, with a 10 °C step. The conduction model for both DC and AC, based on the quantum mechanical phenomenon of electron tunneling between water nanodroplets, was used to analyze the obtained results. It was determined that the frequency dependence of the conductivity of pressboard-bio-oil-moisture composites is influenced by two factors as follows: the activation energy of conductivity and the activation energy of relaxation time. For each moisture content, 16 values of the activation energy of the relaxation time and 16 values of the activation energy of conductivity were determined. It was found that the values of activation energy of conductivity and relaxation time are equal and independent of moisture content, frequency, and temperature. Based on 192 residual activation energy values, the mean generalized activation energy value for the relaxation time and conductivity was calculated with high precision, resulting in ΔE ≈ (1.02627 ± 0.01606) eV. The uncertainty of its determination was only ±1.6%. This indicates that electron tunneling from the first nanodroplet to the second, causing AC conductivity, and their return from the second nanodroplet to the first, determining the relaxation time, occur between the same energy states belonging to the water nanodroplets located in the pressboard impregnated with bio-oil. For each moisture content, the curves obtained for different measurement temperatures were recalculated to a reference temperature of 20 °C using the generalized activation energy. It was found that the shifted curves obtained for different temperatures perfectly overlap. Increased moisture content shifts the recalculated curves toward higher conductivity values. It was established that for all moisture contents in the lowest frequency range, conductivity is constant (DC conductivity). A further increase in frequency causes a rapid rise in conductivity. The increasing period can be divided into two stages. The first stage occurs up to about 10⁰ Hz–10¹ Hz, depending on the moisture content. In the second stage, the rate of conductivity increase is higher, and its value depends on moisture content. The lower the moisture content, the faster the conductivity increases. Recalculation using the generalized activation energy eliminated the effect of temperature on the curves. It was found that the shapes of the recalculated curves and their position relative to the coordinates depend only on the moisture content in the composite. The equality of the activation energy of the relaxation time and conductivity established in the study, as well as their independence from frequency and moisture content in the pressboard impregnated with NYTRO^® BIO 300X bio-oil, allows for recalculating the curves of electrical parameters determined at any operating temperatures of the transformer to a reference temperature, for example, 20 °C. Comparing the curve obtained for the transformer, recalculated to the reference temperature, with reference curves determined by us in the laboratory for different moisture contents, will allow for the precise determination of the moisture content of the solid insulation component impregnated with NYTRO^® BIO 300X bio-oil. This will contribute to the early detection of approaching critical moisture content, threatening catastrophic transformer failure. Full article

This paper presents the results of the study of the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical properties of an electrical pressboard–bio-insulating oil–water composite in a wide range of water content and temperatures used in electric power transformers. These parameters allow the level of insulation reliability to be determined after many years of operation of power transformers. To analyse the experimental results, a model of the DC and AC conductivities of nanocomposites based on the quantum-mechanical phenomenon of electron tunnelling was used. It was found that in a low-frequency region, the conductivities of AC and DC and their activation energy are equal. The relaxation times of AC conductivity and permittivity are also equal. It was found that the dependence of the DC conductivity on the distance between water molecules is an exponential function. On the basis of the model of conductivity by electron tunnelling between potential wells, the average number of water molecules in a nanodroplet, located in a composite of electrical pressboard–bio-insulating oil–moisture was determined to be (126 ± 20). It was found that the measured dependencies of DC and AC conductivity, permeability and dielectric relaxation times are consistent with the results of computer simulations performed on the basis of the model. This study showed that the composite of pressboard impregnated with bio-oil spontaneously transforms through water absorption into a pressboard–bio-oil–water nanocomposite. These will serve as the basis for the application of actual conductivity and dielectric relaxation mechanisms to improve the accuracy of moisture estimation in the solid component of power transformer insulation carried out on the basis of measurements of DC and AC properties. This will improve the operational safety of the transformers, minimise the occurrence of transformer failure and the associated environmental pollution. Full article

The ability of particles to “tunnel” through potential energy barriers is a purely quantum phenomenon. A classical particle in a symmetric double-well potential, with energy below the potential barrier, will be trapped on one side of the potential well. A quantum particle, however, can sit on both sides, in either a symmetric state or an antisymmetric state. An analogous phenomenon occurs in conservative classical systems with two degrees of freedom and no potential barriers. If only the energy is conserved, the phase space will be a mixture of regular “islands” embedded in a sea of chaos. Classically, a particle sitting in one regular island cannot reach another symmetrically located regular island when the islands are separated by chaos. However, a quantum particle can sit on both regular islands, in symmetric and antisymmetric states, due to chaos-assisted tunneling. Here, we give an overview of the theory and recent experimental observations of this phenomenon. Full article

This study explores the quantum leapfrog mechanism within the context of quantum finance and presents a new interpretation of established financial models through a quantum perspective. In quantum physics, the well-documented phenomenon of particles tunneling through energy barriers has a parallel in finance. We propose a quantum financial leapfrog model in which asset prices make quantum leaps, penetrating market “energy barriers” in non-sequential advances. By leveraging the Hamiltonian operator and the Schrödinger equation, our approach simulates the dynamics of asset prices in a manner akin to the trajectories of particles in quantum mechanics. We draw an analogy between financial markets and gravitational fields, and from this we derive energy equations for pricing orbits. Using path integration techniques, we map out potential price transitions between these orbits, which are guided by the calculation of minimal energy barriers. Furthermore, we introduce a market “propagator” that aligns with the uncertainty principle, identifying the optimal price pathways. Our findings provide new insights and methodologies for navigating the complexities of financial markets, underscoring the significant potential of quantum approaches in the field of finance. These findings have theoretical implications for a variety of market stakeholders, offering strategic guidance and a reference point. We expect that the advancement of the quantum financial leapfrog theory will refine analytical methods and enhance investment strategies in practical financial applications. Full article

The molecular structure of a van der Waals-bonded complex involving 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and a single argon atom has been determined through rotational spectroscopy. The experimentally derived structural parameters were compared to the outcomes of quantum chemical calculations that can accurately account for dispersive interactions in the cluster. The findings revealed a π-bound configuration for the complex, with the argon atom engaging the aromatic ring. The microwave spectrum reveals both fine and hyperfine tunneling components. The main spectral doubling is evident as two distinct clusters of lines, with an approximate separation of 179 MHz, attributed to the torsional motion associated with the hydroxyl group. Additionally, each component of this doublet further splits into three components, each with separations measuring less than 1 MHz. Investigation into intramolecular dynamics using a one-dimensional flexible model suggests that the main tunneling phenomenon originates from equivalent positions of the hydroxyl group. A double-minimum potential function with a barrier of 1000 (100) cm⁻¹ effectively describes this extensive amplitude motion. However, the three-fold fine structure, potentially linked to internal motions within the tert-butyl group, requires additional scrutiny for a comprehensive understanding. Full article

This article investigates the radial and non-radial geodesic structures of the generalized K-essence Vaidya spacetime. Within the framework of K-essence geometry, it is important to note that the metric does not possess conformal equivalence to the conventional gravitational metric. This study employs a non-canonical action of the Dirac–Born–Infeld kind. In this work, we categorize the generalized K-essence Vaidya mass function into two distinct forms. Both the forms of the mass functions have been extensively utilized to analyze the radial and non-radial time-like or null geodesics in great detail inside the comoving plane. Indications of the existence of wormholes can be noted during the extreme phases of spacetime, particularly in relation to black holes and white holes, which resemble the Einstein–Rosen bridge. In addition, we have also detected a distinctive indication of the quantum tunneling phenomenon around the singularity ($r\to 0$). Furthermore, we have found that for certain types of solutions, there exist circular orbits through the event horizon as well as quasicircular orbits. Also, we have noted that there is no central singularity in our spacetime where both r and t tend towards zero. The existence of a central singularity is essential for any generalized Vaidya spacetime. This indicates that spacetime can be geodesically complete, which correlates with the findings of Kerr’s recent work (2023). Full article

A quantum particle constrained between two high potential barriers provides a paradigmatic example of a system sustaining quasi-bound (or resonance) states. When the system is prepared in one of such quasi-bound states, the wave function approximately maintains its shape but decays in time in a nearly exponential manner radiating into the surrounding space, the lifetime being of the order of the reciprocal of the width of the resonance peak in the transmission spectrum. Naively, one could think that adding more lateral barriers would preferentially slow down or prevent the quantum decay since tunneling is expected to become less probable and due to quantum backflow induced by multiple scattering processes. However, this is not always the case and in the early stage of the dynamics quantum decay can be accelerated (rather than decelerated) by additional lateral barriers, even when the barrier heights are arbitrarily large. The decay acceleration originates from resonant tunneling effects and is associated to large deviations from an exponential decay law. We discuss such a counterintuitive phenomenon by considering the hopping dynamics of a quantum particle on a tight-binding lattice with on-site potential barriers. Full article

Upconversion devices (UCDs) have motivated tremendous research interest with their excellent potential and promising application in photovoltaic sensors, semiconductor wafer detection, biomedicine, and light conversion devices, especially near-infrared-(NIR)-to-visible upconversion devices. In this research, a UCD that directly turned NIR light located at 1050 nm into visible light located at 530 nm was fabricated to investigate the underlying working mechanism of UCDs. The simulation and experimental results of this research proved the existence of the quantum tunneling phenomenon in UCDs and found that the quantum tunneling effect can be enhanced by a localized surface plasmon. Full article

Operators of industrial machinery relentlessly pursue improving safety, increasing productivity, and minimizing unplanned downtime. Elastomer seals are ubiquitous components of this machinery. In general, static seals are designed to be compressed at a fixed level of compression, taking gland geometry, loading condition, temperature range of operation, fluid media exposure, and other factors into account to ensure the safe operation of equipment. Over time, seals experience compression set, chemical-induced swelling, erosion, and other phenomena which can compromise the compressive force generated by the seal and cause leaking. This is particularly important in critical applications, where high pressure, high temperature, and aggressive media are present, and fluorinated elastomers are common materials for seals. Further, changes in operating conditions at manufacturing plants, either intentional or through regular process variation, create unknown operating conditions for seals. This unknown and variable application environment makes seal performance hard to predict. Therefore, machinery utilizing seals is, at best, serviced preventatively at certain intervals, where seals are removed, and the remaining useful life of the seal is unknown. This leads to unnecessary machinery downtime and increases consumable costs for manufacturers. In the worst case, the seal is run to failure, creating machinery and plant safety concerns. Both scenarios are undesirable for manufacturers using industrial machinery. This paper reports on the development of “smart” intrinsic self-sensing seals, which enable performance monitoring of the compression behavior of seals while in use. In addition, this paper examines quantum tunneling elastomeric composites (QTC) to demonstrate a method of component performance monitoring by modifying the underlying elastomeric material itself. This paper studies QTC sensor-based fluorinated (FKM) and per-fluorinated (FFKM) compositions, which are modified to incorporate varying levels of carbon nanostructure (CNS) material. The resulting seal’s resistive properties are shown to be a function of the level of compression, the first time this phenomenon has been demonstrated in high-performing FKM and FFKM seal materials. Full article

Quantum tunneling sensors are typically ultra-sensitive devices that have been specifically designed to convert a stimulus into an electronic signal using the wondrous principles of quantum mechanical tunneling. In the early 1990s, William Kaiser developed one of the first micromachined quantum tunneling sensors as part of his work with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Since then, there have been scattered attempts at utilizing this phenomenon for the development of a variety of physical and chemical sensors. Although these devices demonstrate unique characteristics, such as high sensitivity, the principle of quantum tunneling often acts as a double-edged sword and is responsible for certain drawbacks of this sensor family. In this review, we briefly explain the underlying working principles of quantum tunneling and how they are used to design miniaturized quantum tunneling sensors. We then proceed to describe an overview of the various attempts at developing such sensors. Next, we discuss their current necessity and recent resurgence. Finally, we describe various advantages and shortcomings of these sensors and end this review with an insight into the potential of this technology and prospects. Full article

Current–voltage characteristics of a quantum dot in double-barrier configuration, as formed in the nanoscale channel of silicon transistors, were analyzed both experimentally and theoretically. Single electron transistors (SET) made in a SOI-FET configuration using silicon quantum dot as well as phosphorus donor quantum dots were experimentally investigated. These devices exhibited a quantum Coulomb blockade phenomenon along with a detectable effect of variable tunnel barriers. To replicate the experimental results, we developed a generalized formalism for the tunnel-barrier dependent quantum Coulomb blockade by modifying the rate-equation approach. We qualitatively replicate the experimental results with numerical calculation using this formalism for two and three energy levels participated in the tunneling transport. The new formalism supports the features of most of the small-scaled SET devices. Full article

We discuss the problem of electron transfer (ET) in mixed valence (MV) molecules that is at the core of molecular Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA) functioning. Theoretical modelling of tetrameric bi-electronic MV molecular square (prototype of basic QCA cell) is reported. The model involves interelectronic Coulomb repulsion, vibronic coupling and ET between the neighboring redox sites. Unlike the majority of previous studies in which molecular QCA have been analyzed only for particular case when the Coulomb repulsion energy significantly exceeds the ET energy, here we do not imply assumptions on the relative strength of these two interactions. Moreover, in the present work we go beyond the adiabatic semiclassical approximation often used in theoretical analysis of such systems in spite of the fact that this approximation ignores such an important phenomenon as quantum tunneling. By analyzing the electronic density distributions in the cells and the ell-cell response functions obtained from a quantum-mechanical solution of a complex multimode vibronic problem we have concluded that such key features of QCA cell as bistability and switchability can be achieved even under failure of the condition of strong Coulomb repulsion provided that the vibronic coupling is strong enough. We also show that the semiclassical description of the cell-cell response functions loses its accuracy in the region of strong non-linearity, while the quantum-mechanical approach provides correct results for this critically important region. Full article

Large amplitude motions (LAMs) form a fundamental phenomenon that demands the development of specific theoretical and Hamiltonian models. In recent years, along with the strong progress in instrumental techniques on high-resolution microwave spectroscopy and computational capacity in quantum chemistry, studies on LAMs have become very diverse. Larger and more complex molecular systems have been taken under investigation, ranging from series of heteroaromatic molecules from five- and six-membered rings to polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbon derivatives. Such systems are ideally suited to create families of molecules in which the positions and the number of LAMs can be varied, while the heteroatoms often provide a sufficient dipole moment to the systems to warrant the observation of their rotational spectra. This review will summarize three types of LAMs: internal rotation, inversion tunneling, and ring puckering, which are frequently observed in aromatic five-membered rings such as furan, thiophene, pyrrole, thiazole, and oxazole derivatives, in aromatic six-membered rings such as benzene, pyridine, and pyrimidine derivatives, and larger combined rings such as naphthalene, indole, and indan derivatives. For each molecular class, we will present the representatives and summarize the recent insights on the molecular structure and internal dynamics and how they help to advance the field of quantum mechanics. Full article

A random number generator (RNG), a cryptographic technology that plays an important role in security and sensor networks, can be designed using a linear feedback shift register (LFSR). This cryptographic transformation is currently done through CMOS. It has been developed by reducing the size of the gate and increasing the degree of integration, but it has reached the limit of integration due to the quantum tunneling phenomenon. Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA), one of the quantum circuit design technologies to replace this, has superior performance compared to CMOS in most performance areas, such as space, speed, and power. Most of the LFSRs in QCA are designed as shift registers (SR), and most of the SR circuits proposed based on the existing QCA have a planar structure, so the cell area is large and the signal is unstable when a plane intersection is implemented. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a multilayered 2-to-1 QCA multiplexer and a D-latch, and we make blocks based on D-latch and connect these blocks to make SR. In addition, the LFSR structure is designed by adding an XOR operation to it, and we additionally propose an LFSR capable of dual-edge triggering. The proposed structures were completed with a very meticulous design technique to minimize area and latency using cell interaction, and they achieve high performance compared to many existing circuits. For the proposed structures, the cost and energy dissipation are calculated through simulation using QCADesigner and QCADesigner-E, and their efficiency is verified. Full article