Electron Phase Detection in Single Molecules by Interferometry

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates electronic interferometry in a single-molecule device, enabling phase-sensitive measurements and quantum information readout at the molecular scale using electric field tuning.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for phase detection in single molecules via interferometry, expanding quantum measurement capabilities in minimal device structures.

Findings

Phase difference between electronic orbital and Fabry-Perot resonance is tunable.

Electric fields can control quantum phase relationships.

Potential for quantum information readout at the molecular level.

Abstract

Interferometry has underpinned a century of discoveries, ranging from the disproval of the ether theory to the detection of gravitational waves, offering insights into wave dynamics with unrivalled precision through the measurement of phase relationships. In electronics, phase-sensitive measurements can probe the nature of transmissive topological and quantum states, but are only possible using complex device structures in magnetic fields. Here we demonstrate electronic interferometry in a single-molecule device through the study of non-equilibrium Fano resonances. We show the phase difference between an electronic orbital and a coupled Fabry-Perot resonance are tuneable through electric fields, and consequently it is possible to read out quantum information in the smallest devices, offering new avenues for the coherent manipulation down to single molecules.