Multimedia Gallery
Dendrite
Dendrite
"Dendrite," from the Gallery of Eric J. Heller. Explanation of image, as taken from Heller Gallery: These images render electron flow paths in a "two dimensional electron gas." The research leading to the "Transport" series (of which Dendrite is a part) was inspired by the experiments of Mark Topinka, Brian Leroy, and professor Robert Westervelt at Harvard, which actually measured the paths taken by the electrons. The theory was performed with the help of Scot Shaw, a member of my research group at the time.
Dendrite is based on flow patterns for electrons riding over bumpy landscape, which is what electrons experience in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) that they dwell in. A 2DEG is a sea of electrons confined to a sheet, i.e. two dimensions. The bumps they encounter are due to charged atoms lying above the sheet. The electrons have more than enough energy to ride over any bump, and the concentrations of electron flow into the branches seen here are recently discovered indirect effects of that bumpy ride. The channeling or branching was unexpected and has implications for small electronic devices of the future.
This image was made in a computer simulation by launching 100,000 electrons from the upper middle of the image, and following their tracks. Each electron had a slightly different launch angle. A color map was applied to turn the density of electron paths into color. A gradient fill was used in the region not traversed by any electron.
Heller's work was included in the exhibit "Approaching Chaos," shown at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquarters in Arlington, Va., July thru October 2002, as part of "The Art of Science Project." The Art of Science Project was conceived and implemented by a cross-directorate committee of NSF staff. Its purpose is to bring to NSF, original works of art that visually explore the connections between artistic and scientific expression.
This image is copyright and was included in the NSF Multimedia Gallery with permission from the owner. See "Restrictions" below regarding use of this image. [Research supported by Harvard's NSEC (NSF) grant.] (Date of Image: 2001)
Credit: Eric J. Heller, Harvard University
Special Restrictions: Copyright 2001 Eric J. Heller; not for publication without permission of author. Contact at mailto:slheller@comcast.net.
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