Electron waiting times for the mesoscopic capacitor

Abstract

We evaluate the distribution of waiting times between electrons emitted by a driven mesoscopic capacitor. Based on a wave packet approach we obtain analytic expressions for the electronic waiting time distribution and the joint distribution of subsequent waiting times. These semi-classical results are compared to a full quantum treatment based on Floquet scattering theory and good agreement is found in the appropriate parameter ranges. Our results provide an intuitive picture of the electronic emissions from the driven mesoscopic capacitor and may be tested in future experiments.

11 pages, 7 figures, invited contribution to special issue in Physica E on "Frontiers in quantum electronic transport - in memory of Markus Büttiker"