Gate-Controlled Electron Quantum Interference Logic

Abstract Inspired by using the wave nature of electrons for electronquantum optics, we propose a new type of electron quantuminterference structure, where single-electron waves are coherentlyinjected into a gate-controlled, two-dimensional waveguide andexit through one or more output channels. The thus gatecontrolledinterference effects lead to specific current levels inthe output channels, which can be used to realize logic gateoperations, e.g., NAND or NOR gates. The operating principle isshown by coherent, dynamic Wigner quantum electron transportsimulations. A discussion of classical simulations (Boltzmann)allows to outline the underlying process of interference. Contraryto other electron control approaches used for advancedinformation processing, no magnetic or photonic mechanisms areinvolved.