Towards a quantum pump of electric charges and currents
Abstract
A critical examination is given of the possibility of realizing a quantum pump of electric charges and currents. The physics is based on the theory of quantum adiabatic particle transport initially due to Thouless. Theoretical guide lines are presented on the experimental conditions for observing this phenomenon. It is argued that potentially very accurate quantization of charge transport or electron current can be achieved, once these conditions are approximately satisfied. An example of experimental set-up is outlined to demonstrate the practical possibilities. Some comments are also made on the scientific significance of such a quantum device.
- Publication:
-
Unknown
- Pub Date:
- December 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989tqpe.rept.....N
- Keywords:
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- Charge Transfer;
- Electric Charge;
- Electric Current;
- Electron Pumping;
- Quantum Electronics;
- Transport Theory;
- Adiabatic Conditions;
- Electrons;
- Physics (General)