Non-galvanic primary thermometry of a two-dimensional electron gas

TL;DR

This paper introduces a non-invasive, primary thermometry method for measuring electron temperatures in two-dimensional electron gases using a quantum dot and quantum-point-contact electrometer, effective from 40 to 800 mK.

Contribution

It presents a novel non-galvanic thermometry technique that minimally disturbs the electron system and operates over a broad temperature range.

Findings

Effective temperature measurement from 40 to 800 mK.

Minimal thermal load during measurement.

Applicable to mesoscopic electron systems.

Abstract

We report the experimental realization of a non-galvanic, primary thermometer capable of measuring the electron temperature of a two-dimensional electron gas with negligible thermal load. Such a thermometer consists of a quantum dot whose temperature-dependent, single-electron transitions are detected by means of a quantum-point-contact electrometer. Its operating principle is demonstrated for a wide range of electron temperatures from 40 to 800 mK. This noninvasive thermometry can find application in experiments addressing the thermal properties of micrometer-scale mesoscopic electron systems, where heating or cooling electrons requires relatively low thermal budgets.