An error accounting algorithm for electron counting experiments

Abstract

Electron counting experiments attempt to provide a current of a known number of electrons per unit time. We propose architectures utilizing a few readily available electron-pumps or turnstiles with modest error rates of 1 part per $10^4$ with common sensitive electrometers to achieve the desirable accuracy of 1 part in $10^8$. This is achieved not by counting all transferred electrons but by counting only the errors of individual devices; these are less frequent and therefore readily recognized and accounted for. Our proposal thereby eases the route towards quantum based standards for current and capacitance.