Electron quantum optics with beam splitters and waveguides in Dirac Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores electron wavefunction splitting in Dirac materials like graphene, analyzing beam-splitters and waveguides to advance quantum electron optics with potential applications in topological insulators and related systems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of electron beam-splitters and waveguides in Dirac systems, providing analysis applicable to various relativistic electronic materials.

Findings

Waveform and system geometry critically affect electron probability density.

Optimal energy and geometry balance maximize electron lifetime.

The study lays groundwork for developing quantum electron optical devices.

Abstract

An electron behaves as both a particle and a wave. On account of this it can be controlled in a similar way to a photon and electronic devices can be designed in analogy to those based on light when there is minimal excitation of the underlying Fermi sea. Here splitting of the electron wavefunction is explored for systems supporting Dirac type physics, with a focus on graphene but being equally applicable to electronic states in topological insulators, liquid helium, and other systems described relativistically. Electron beam-splitters and superfocusers are analysed along with propagation through nanoribbons, demonstrating that the waveform, system geometry, and energies all need to balance to maximise the probability density and hence lifetime of the flying electron. These findings form the basis for novel quantum electron optics.