Slow and Fast Electron Channels in a Coherent Quantum Dot Mixer

Abstract

We describe a means to realize slow and fast electron channels by coherent mixing of single-particle levels in quantum dots. The underlying physics, which gives insight into state superposition, can potentially be realized in multi-dot structures with complex gate control. However, we employ vertical double dot structures and in our scheme the mixing of single-particle levels arises because of natural perturbations in the confining potential of the high-symmetry dots. Additionally, because of the intrinsic properties of a Fock–Darwin-like spectrum, we utilize a magnetic field to bring multiple single-particle energy levels into close proximity. We determine single-electron resonant tunneling times (effectively dwell times when on resonance) that are either extended in the slow channel or shortened in the fast channel. Most dramatically, for the slow channel, slow-down factors of ∼10 and single-electron resonant tunneling times extended into the µs range are demonstrated in all systems of two, three, and four mixed single-particle states investigated here.