Coherence and indistinguishability of single electrons emitted by independent sources.

Bocquillon, E; Freulon, V; Berroir, J-M; Degiovanni, P; Plaçais, B; Cavanna, A; Jin, Y; Fève, G · Science · 2013

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The on-demand emission of coherent and indistinguishable electrons by independent synchronized sources is a challenging task of quantum electronics, in particular regarding its application for quantum information processing. Using two independent on-demand electron sources, we triggered the emission of two single-electron wave packets at different inputs of an electronic beam splitter. Whereas classical particles would be randomly partitioned by the splitter, we observed two-particle interference resulting from quantum exchange. Both electrons, emitted in indistinguishable wave packets with synchronized arrival time on the splitter, exited in different outputs as recorded by the low-frequency current noise. The demonstration of two-electron interference provides the possibility of manipulating coherent and indistinguishable single-electron wave packets in quantum conductors.