Current switching and modulation based on electron interference in electron waveguides: a zero gap electron wave coupler

The authors fabricated electron waveguide devices analogous to optical guided wave devices. Specifically, they made a zero gap electron wave coupler which demonstrated current switching and modulation based on electron interference in electron waveguides. Fabrication involves forming Schottky gate electrodes on the surface of a high-mobility 2D electron gas sample. Under appropriate reverse bias, areas under gate electrodes are depleted of electrons and conduction from one side to the other can only occur through the narrow and short channels. These channels behave as electron waveguides if their dimensions and temperature of operation are appropriate.