Frequency-locked turnstile device for single electrons

1990589 citationsJournal Article

Authors

L.J. Geerligs · Delft University of Technology

V.F. Anderegg · Delft University of Technology

P. A. M. Holweg · Delft University of Technology

J. E. Mooij · Delft University of Technology

H. Pothier · Delft University of Technology

D. Estève · Laboratoire Structure et Dynamique par Résonance Magnétique

C. Urbina

Abstract

We have fabricated an array of ultrasmall tunnel junctions which acts like a turnstile for single electrons. When alternating voltage of frequency f is applied to a gate, one electron is transferred per cycle through the device. This results in a current plateau in the current-voltage characteristic at I=ef. The overall behavior of the device is well explained by the theory of Coulomb blockade of electron tunneling. We discuss the accuracy limitations of this device.

Topics & Keywords

Quantum and electron transport phenomena Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures Surface and Thin Film Phenomena

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and clean energy

Publication Details

Published in: Physical Review Letters

Volume 64, Issue 22, pp. 2691-2694

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.64.2691

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 27.27