Time-resolved detection of single-electron interference.

Gustavsson, S; Leturcq, R; Studer, M; Ihn, T; Ensslin, K; Driscoll, D C; Gossard, A C · Nano Lett · 2008

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We demonstrate real-time detection of self-interfering electrons in a double quantum dot embedded in an Aharonov-Bohm interferometer, with visibility approaching unity. We use a quantum point contact as a charge detector to perform time-resolved measurements of single-electron tunneling. With increased bias voltage, the quantum point contact exerts a back-action on the interferometer leading to decoherence. We attribute this to emission of radiation from the quantum point contact, which drives noncoherent electronic transitions in the quantum dots.