Time-resolved detection of single-electron interference

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 non-coherent electronic transitions in the quantum dots.

Supporting Information Available: http://www.nanophys.ethz.ch/gallery/movies/SingleElectronAB/index.htm contains a movie showing how the interference pattern builds up in real-time as electrons pass through the structure one-by-one