Single-electron acoustic charge transport by two counterpropagating surface acoustic wave beams

J. Cunningham, V. I. Talyanskii, J. M. Shilton, M. Pepper, M. Y. Simmons, and D. A. Ritchie
Phys. Rev. B 60, 4850 – Published 15 August 1999
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Abstract

A powerful surface acoustic wave can transport charge along a quasi-one-dimensional channel defined in a piezoelectric semiconductor in packets confined to the minima of the wave’s electrostatic potential. The interaction between electrons can suppress fluctuation in the number of electrons in a packet, resulting in a current that is proportional to the surface acoustic wave (SAW) frequency. This effect has been observed experimentally and is presently being considered as a possible route towards a standard of electric current. Here we present further study of this acoustic charge transport. The main finding is that a weak counterpropagating SAW beam can be used to improve the precision of the current delivered by the device.

  • Received 23 December 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.60.4850

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. Cunningham, V. I. Talyanskii, J. M. Shilton, M. Pepper, M. Y. Simmons, and D. A. Ritchie

  • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom

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Issue

Vol. 60, Iss. 7 — 15 August 1999

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