Universal three-way few-electron switch using silicon single-electron transistors

Abstract

A three-way few-electron switch is implemented using bidirectional electron pumps in silicon-on-insulator material. The switch consists of three branches defined by single-electron transistors, connected to a central node. Any combination of two single-electron transistors forms a bidirectional electron pump. At 4.2K, each cycle of an rf signal applied to the central node pumps electron packets approximately ten electrons in size through the circuit. It is possible to switch the electron packets in any direction through the branches. The switch may be used for the precise transfer of electrons, and as the basic element in few-electron logic applications.