Quantum Point Contacts

Abstract

Punctuated equilibrium, the notion that evolution in nature is stepwise rather than continuous, sometimes applies to evolution in science as well. The seed of a scientific breakthrough may slumber for a decade or even longer without generating much interest. The seed may be a theoretical concept without clear predictions to test experimentally, or an intriguing but confusing experiment without a lucid interpretation. When the seed finally germinates, an entire field of science can reach maturity in a few years.