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Subnanosecond Single Electron Source in the Time-Domain

Journal of Low Temperature Physics volume 153, pages 339–349 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

We describe here the realization of a single electron source similar to single photon sources in optics. On-demand single electron injection is obtained using a quantum dot connected to the conductor via a tunnel barrier of variable transmission (quantum point contact). Electron emission is triggered by a sudden change of the dot potential which brings a single energy level above the Fermi energy in the conductor. A single charge is emitted on an average time ranging from 100 ps to 10 ns ultimately determined by the barrier transparency and the dot charging energy. The average single electron emission process is recorded with a 0.5 ns time resolution using a real-time fast acquisition card. Single electron signals are compared to simulation based on scattering theory approach adapted for finite excitation energies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Pierre Aigrain, Département de Physique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 rue Lhomond, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France

    A. Mahé, F. D. Parmentier, G. Fève, J.-M. Berroir, T. Kontos, D. C. Glattli & B. Plaçais

  2. Service de Physique de l’Etat Condensé, CEA Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

    D. C. Glattli

  3. Laboratoire de Photonique et Nanostructures, UPR20 CNRS, Route de Nozay, 91460, Marcoussis Cedex, France

    A. Cavanna, B. Etienne & Y. Jin

Authors
  1. A. Mahé
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  2. F. D. Parmentier
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  3. G. Fève
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  4. J.-M. Berroir
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  5. T. Kontos
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  6. A. Cavanna
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  7. B. Etienne
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  8. Y. Jin
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  9. D. C. Glattli
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  10. B. Plaçais
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. Plaçais.

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Mahé, A., Parmentier, F.D., Fève, G. et al. Subnanosecond Single Electron Source in the Time-Domain. J Low Temp Phys 153, 339–349 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-008-9839-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-008-9839-x

Keywords

  • Quantum dot
  • Single electron source
  • Subnanosecond quantum dynamics
  • Two dimensional electron gas
  • Quantum hall effect

PACS

  • 73.21.La
  • 73.23.-b
  • 73.43.-f
  • 85.35.Gv