Gunn effect

[ guhn ]

noun

, Physics, Electronics.

1. the onset of microwave oscillations in a thin slice of a semiconductor when a voltage exceeding a given value is applied across the slice.

Gunn effect

/ ɡʌn /

noun

1. a phenomenon observed in some semiconductors in which a steady electric field of magnitude greater than a threshold value generates electrical oscillations with microwave frequencies

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gunn effect¹

Named after J. B. Gunn (1928–2006), British physicist, who discovered the effect in 1963

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gunn effect¹

C20: named after John Battiscombe Gunn (1928–2008), British physicist