""Transport IV," from the Gallery of Eric J. Heller. Explanation of image, as taken from Heller Gallery: The Transport series renders electron flow paths in a "two dimensional electron gas" (2DEG), Inspired by the experiments of Mark Topinka, Brian Leroy, and professor Robert Westervelt at Harvard.
Our group was responsible for the theoretical treatment of the problem, primarily Scot Shaw, and myself. Transport VI is based on the actual electron flow patterns for electrons riding over a bumpy landscape, which is what they encounter in the 2DEG. The electrons have more than enough energy to ride over any bump in the landscape, and the concentrations of electron flow seen here are unexpected indirect effects of that bumpy ride.
The channeling or branching was a surprise and has serious implications for small electronic devices of the future. Transport VI is an excellent example of the wonderful way nature emulates herself in different contexts. Thus, the folding of the electron trajectories is like looking through translucent kelp, or like ridges on a mountain."
