Accuracy of the quantum capacitor as a single-electron source

Abstract

A periodically driven quantum capacitor may function as an on-demand single-electron source as it has recently been demonstrated experimentally. However, the accuracy at which single electrons are emitted is not yet understood. Here we consider a conceptually simple model of a quantum capacitor and find analytically the noise spectrum as well as the counting statistics of emitted electrons. We find that the failure rate of the capacitor can be arbitrarily small when operated under favorable conditions. Our theoretical predictions may be tested in future experiments.