Classical and quantum breakdown in disordered materials

Abstract

We have discussed the classical failure of the fuse system, the dielectric breakdown and the quantum breakdown in the Anderson insulators. We have discussed how the extreme value statistics and the resulting Gumbel distribution arises in breakdown and failure processes, especially when the disorder concentration is low. At high concentration of disorder near the percolation threshold, we have discussed how the cross-over might take place from extreme value to percolation statistics. We have discussed the system size dependence that arises at the distribution of the failure current at low disordered regime. Finally, the extension of Zener breakdown phenomenon for band insulators to the disordered-induced Anderson insulators has been discussed.