Quantum effects and bit errors in mesoscopic logic an memory circuits

Bistability in well known circuits employing devices with nonlinear current-voltage characteristics is shown to be a classical concept which can be modified by quantum mechanical effects. The classically stable states ‘‘0’’ and ‘‘1’’ are shown to correspond to a single stable quantum mechanical stat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 1990-07, Vol.57 (1), p.34-36
Main Authors: BANDARA, K. M. S. V, COON, D. D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Electronics
Exact sciences and technology
Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices
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Summary:Bistability in well known circuits employing devices with nonlinear current-voltage characteristics is shown to be a classical concept which can be modified by quantum mechanical effects. The classically stable states ‘‘0’’ and ‘‘1’’ are shown to correspond to a single stable quantum mechanical state and a metastable state. Bit error rates associated with metastable state lifetimes are estimated for circuits employing quantum well devices and found to be appreciable in the mesoscopic regime (feature sizes ≲0.2 μm).
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.103570