Counting statistics and detector properties of quantum point contacts

Quantum detector properties of the quantum point contact (QPC) are analyzed for an arbitrary electron transparency and coupling strength to the measured system and are shown to be determined by the electron counting statistics. Conditions of the quantum-limited operation of the QPC detector, which prevent information loss through the scattering time and scattering phases, are found for arbitrary coupling. We show that the phase information can be restored and used for the quantum-limited detection by inclusion of the QPC detector in the electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometer.     

Quantum state measurement in double quantum dots with a radio-frequency quantum point contact

We study the dynamics of two electron spins in coupled quantum dots （CQDs） monitored by a quantum point contact （QPC） detector. Their quantum state can be measured by embedding the QPC in an LC circuit. We derive the Bloch-type rate equations of the reduced density matrix for CQDs. Special attention is paid to the numerical results for the weak measurement condintion under a strong Coulomb interaction. It is shown that the evolution of QPC current always follows that of electron occupation in the right dot. In addition, we find that the output voltage of the circuit can reflect the evolution of QPC current when the circuit and QPC are approximately equal in frequency. In particular, the wave shape of the output voltage can be improved by adjusting the circuit resonance frequency and bandwidth.     

Counterflow of electrons in two isolated quantum point contacts

We study the interaction between two adjacent but electrically isolated quantum point contacts (QPCs). At high enough source-drain bias on one QPC, the drive QPC, we detect a finite electric current in the second, unbiased, detector QPC. The current generated at the detector QPC always flows in the opposite direction than the current of the drive QPC. The generated current is maximal, if the detector QPC is tuned to a transition region between its quantized conductance plateaus and the drive QPC is almost pinched-off. We interpret this counterflow phenomenon in terms of an asymmetric phonon-induced excitation of electrons in the leads of the detector QPC.     

量子点接触对单电子量子态的量子测量

研究了用介观量子点接触(QPC)对单电子两态和多态系统的量子测量问题.发现,在任意测量电压下,该测量问题不能用标准的Lindblad量子主方程描述.考虑了测量仪器和被测系统之间的能量交换对细致平衡关系的影响,对该问题提供了一个恰当的理论描述,并对未来的固态量子测量和量子反馈控制可能产生一定影响. 关键词： 量子测量 量子比特 细致平衡 退局域化     

Controlled dephasing of a quantum dot: from coherent to sequential tunneling

Resonant tunneling through two identical potential barriers renders them transparent, as particle trajectories interfere coherently. Here we realize resonant tunneling in a quantum dot (QD), and show that detection of electron trajectories renders the dot nearly insulating. Measurements were made in the integer quantum Hall regime, with the tunneling electrons in an inner edge channel coupled to detector electrons in a neighboring outer channel, which was partitioned. Quantitative analysis indicates that just a few detector electrons completely dephase the QD.     

Controlled dephasing of a quantum dot in the Kondo regime

Kondo correlation in a spin polarized quantum dot (QD) results from the dynamical formation of a spin singlet between the dot's net spin and a Kondo cloud of electrons in the leads, leading to enhanced coherent transport through the QD. We demonstrate here significant dephasing of such transport by coupling the QD and its leads to potential fluctuations in a nearby "potential detector." The qualitative dephasing is similar to that of a QD in the Coulomb blockade regime in spite of the fact that the mechanism of transport is quite different. A much stronger than expected suppression of coherent transport is measured, suggesting that dephasing is induced mostly in the "Kondo cloud" of electrons within the leads and not in the QD.     

Charge rearrangement and screening in a quantum point contact

Compressibility measurements are performed on a quantum point contact (QPC). Screening due to mobile charges in the QPC is measured quantitatively, using a second point contact. These measurements are performed from pinch-off through the opening of the first few modes in the QPC. While the measured signal closely matches a Thomas-Fermi-Poisson prediction, deviations from the classical behavior are apparent near the openings of the different modes. Density functional calculations attribute the deviations to a combination of a diverging density of states at the opening of each one-dimensional mode and exchange interaction, which is strongest for the first mode.     

The effects of the electrochemical capacitance on the ac admittance phase of a quantum point contact

We investigate the ac admittance of a quantum point contact (QPC) in quantum hall regime. Experiment data shows that the phase of the QPC admittance is not transmission independent. With the increasing of the QPC transmission, the phase increases in large magnetic field, but stays constant in small field. The theoretical works indicated that the Coulomb interaction between the counter-propagate channels is the main reason for the non-constant phase in large field. Besides this, we also studied the other types of Coulomb interactions. Especially, the Coulomb interaction between the channels across the QPC could make the sample behave like a capacitance and thus a change from the capacitive behavior to inductive behavior is expected when the QPC is opening. Our investigation demonstrates that the Coulomb interaction can serve as a sensitive detection method for the internal properties of quantum devices, in particular, at gigahertz frequencies.     

Charge distribution in a Kondo-correlated quantum dot

We report on direct measurement of charge and its distribution in a Kondo correlated quantum dot (QD). A noninvasive potential-sensitive detector, in proximity with a QD, reveals that, although the conductance of the QD is significantly enhanced as it enters the Kondo regime, the average charge remains unaffected. This demonstrates the separation between spin and charge degrees of freedom. We find, however, under certain conditions, an abrupt redistribution of charge in the QD, taking place with an onset of Kondo correlation. This suggests a correlation between the spin and charge degrees of freedom.     

Effect of Quantum Point Contact Measurement on Electron Spin State in Quantum Dots

We study the time evolution of two electron spin states in a double quantum-dot system, which includes a nearby quantum point contact （QPC） as a measurement device. We find that the QPC measurement induced decoherence is in the microsecond timescale. We also find that the enhanced QPC measurement will trap the system in its initial spin states, which is consistent with the quantum Zeno effect.     

Fabrication and characterization of a vertical pillar structure including a self-assembled quantum dot and a quantum well

We fabricate and characterize a novel vertical pillar structure including a self-assembled InAs quantum dot (QD) and an InGaAs quantum well (QW). The vertical current through both the InAs QD and an electrostatically defined QD made in the InGaAs QW can be measured by adjusting the position of the InGaAs QD in the QW plane relative to the InAs QD with two side-gate voltages applied independently. We study optical response of the current through the vertical double QD by irradiating light, which is assumed to be mainly absorbed in the InAs QDs. We successfully probe a time-dependent energy level shift due to the Coulomb interaction from holes trapped in the vicinity of the pillar.     

Double-dot quantum ratchet driven by an independently biased quantum point contact

We study a double quantum dot (DQD) coupled to a strongly biased quantum point contact (QPC), each embedded in independent electric circuits. For weak interdot tunneling we observe a finite current flowing through the Coulomb blockaded DQD in response to a strong bias on the QPC. The direction of the current through the DQD is determined by the relative detuning of the energy levels of the two quantum dots. The results are interpreted in terms of a quantum ratchet phenomenon in a DQD energized by a nearby QPC.     

Crossed Andreev reflection in a quantum dot coupled to a topological superconducting single-stranded DNA

We investigate the crossed Andreev reflection (CAR) through a quantum dot (QD) coupled to topological superconducting single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). It is found that the topological nontrivial states appear in the QD due to leakage of the Majorana zero mode. Majorana zero mode can be identified by measuring the CAR. This device can be used as a Majorana zero mode detector that relies on the system parameters, such as the spin orbit coupling, the twist angle, molecular length. A high efficiency Cooper pair splitter can be realized by regulating the magnitude and direction of the gate voltage. In additions, the signature of CAR is robust against the Coulomb blockade and the disorder induced by distinct amino acids. This work provides an alternative method for detection of Majorana zero mode in ssDNA.     

固态量子比特的量子测量

文章介绍了作者用介观输运器件[如量子点接触（QPC）或单电子晶体管（SET）]测量固态量子比特的原理和特性，特别着重地介绍了作者最近在处理被测量子比特和介观测量仪器之间的关联方面的新进展。     

弹道区的电子输运

本文重点评述了无散射区电子输运在实验和理论方面的最新进展,内容涵盖半导体量子点接触的加工工艺;电导的量子化及其成因;量子点接触串、并联后,欧姆定律的遵从性;弹道输运特性的应用;以及超导量子点接触临界电流的量子化。     

基于量子点接触的开放双量子点系统电子转移特性

基于量子点接触探测器(QPC)理论上研究了双量子点(DQD)系统在耗散环境和纯退相环境影响下的电子转移特性.结果表明,耗散环境中探测器导致的退相干会增大平均电流和Fano factor随时间演化的值,并观察到量子芝诺效应的存在.在对称的DQD情况下,弛豫减小了平均电流随时间演化的震荡振幅.在非对称的DQD情况下,弛豫降低了Fano factor随时间演化的峰值.纯退相环境中测量会阻碍共隧穿过程中不同电流通道之间的转换,导致Fano factor的极高值.在对称的DQD情况下,增大纯退相速率会提高Fano factor.在非对称的DQD情况下,动力学随时间的演化对纯退相环境不敏感.另外,还发现探测器内n个电子的转移几率只受QPC与DQD耦合的影响.我们的结论可以为实验工作者研究电子输运特性提供理论参考.     

耦合Majorana束缚态T形双量子点中的Andreev反射

研究了连接在正常金属电极和超导电极之间的耦合Majorana束缚态(MBSs)T形双量子点结构中的Andreev反射.研究发现,对于T形双量子点结构,当入射能量等于边耦合量子点能级时Andreev反射电导出现Fano振荡,连接MBSs之后,零费米能附近出现一对新的Fano型振荡峰.如果忽略两个MBSs之间的相互作用,零费米能点的Andreev反射电导为定值1/2G_0(G_0=2e~2/h),不受量子点能级、双量子点之间耦合强度以及量子点与MBSs之间的耦合强度的影响.此外,在没有耦合MBSs的T形双量子点结构中,调节双量子点间的耦合强度可以使零费米能附近的Andreev反射电导出现由共振带向反共振带的转变,而耦合MBSs之后,又可以使反共振消失转而出现新的共振峰.     

Hybrid double-dot qubit measurement with a quantum point contact

We present the measurement of a hybrid double-dot qubit using a quantum point contact （QPC）. To study the dy- namics, we derive the rate equations of the entire system. Numerical results show that QPC current can directly reflect the evolution of the qubit. By adjusting Coulomb interaction, energy mismatch, and QPC tunneling rate, the efficiency and dephasing time can be improved. In addition, the initial state with a hybrid triplet state is superior to that with the purely triplet states on the efficiency. Moreover, the decoherence time is estimated on the magnitude of a microsecond, long enough to implement quantum operations.     

Another model for a multiexcitonic quantum dot in an optical microcavity

Very recently, a multiexcitonic quantum dot in an optical microcavity have been theoretically studied [Herbert Vincka, Boris A. Rodriguez, and Augusto Gonzalez, Physica E, 2006, 35: 99–102]. However, due to the inevitable damping losses through the microcavity, in this work, we will present a more precise and sound model in the Lindblad form master equation to investigate the photonic properties of a single quantum dot (QD) in an optical microcavity system, in which the QD may confine the multiexcitons and be in resonant interaction with a single photonic mode of an optical microcavity. The excitation energies, and the properties of the emission photon from the QD microcavity are computed as functions of the exciton-photon coupling strength, detuning, and pump rate. We further compare our results with their results, and find that the calculated intensity of the emitted photon and the spectra crucially depend on the exciton-photon coupling strength g, the photon detuning, and the number of excitons in the QD. Finally, we will give a physical mechanism of the dressed-state picture for the strong coupling between the single mode of an optical microcavity and the QD emitters to explain the details of the emission photon spectra. Our study establishes useful guidelines for the experimental study of such multiexcitonic quantum dot in an optical microcavity system.      

Stabilization of Au quantum point contacts by self-assembled monolayers

We examine conductance phenomenon for Au quantum point contacts (QPC) formed using a crossed-wire geometry experimental set-up. When one of the wires is coated with a self-assembled monolayer of an alkanethiol, we find that a conductance plateau indicative of a QPC can be stable for tens of seconds, exceeding typical periods of stability by several orders of magnitude. This extended stability is attributed to the inhibition of the diffusion of Au atoms away from the contact area by the presence of the self-assembled monolayer.