Leo Esaki was born on March 12, 1925, in Osaka, Japan,[3] and grew up in Kyoto, where he attended the Third Higher School. He then went on to study physics at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo), graduating with a B.S. in 1947.[4]
This discovery was the first demonstration of solid tunneling effects in physics—and it was the birth of the first quantum electronic device, the tunnel diode. He received a Ph.D. from Tokyo Imperial University due to this breakthrough invention in 1959.[4]
In 1969, Esaki predicted that semiconductor superlattices will be formed to induce a differential negative-resistance effect via an artificially one-dimensional periodic structural changes in semiconductor crystals.[8] His unique "molecular-beam epitaxy" thin-film crystal growth method can be regulated quite precisely in ultrahigh vacuum. A 1987 comment by Esaki regarding the original paper notes:
"The original version of the paper was rejected for publication by Physical Review on the referee's unimaginative assertion that it was 'too speculative' and involved 'no new physics.' However, this proposal was quickly accepted by the Army Research Office..."[9]
In 1972, Esaki realized his concept of superlattices in III-V group semiconductors. Later, this concept influenced many fields like metals and magnetic materials.
At the 1994 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Esaki suggested a list of "five don'ts" which anyone in realizing his creative potential should follow. Two months later, the chairman of the Nobel Committee for Physics Carl Nordling incorporated the rules in his own speech.[11]
Don't allow yourself to be trapped by your past experiences.
Don't allow yourself to become overly attached to any one authority in your field – the great professor, perhaps.
"For his conception of artificial semiconductor superlattices and his recognition that such structures have realizable and would have novel electronic properties. His sustained experimental and theoretical efforts have helped lead the way to versatile new materials and technologies."
"For the creation and realization of the concept of man-made superlattice crystals which lead to generation of new materials with useful applications."
In recognition of three Nobel laureates' contributions, the bronze statues of Shin'ichirō Tomonaga, Leo Esaki, and Makoto Kobayashi were set up in the Central Park of Azuma 2 in Tsukuba in 2015.[24]
Large scale integrated circuits technology: state of the art and prospects, proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Large Scale Integrated Circuits Technology: State of the Art and Prospects," Erice, Italy, July 15–27, 1981 / edited by Leo Esaki and Giovanni Soncini (1982)
Highlights in condensed matter physics and future prospects / edited by Leo Esaki (1991)
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