Abstract

Due to the advances in nanometer scale devices and high mobility hetero-structures, a new branch of electronics based the wave propagation of electrons has emerged in the past few years. These electrons, also known as ballistic electrons, can undergo refraction, reflection and guidance much like optical waves in dielectric waveguides [1]. Utilizing this similarity between optical waves and electron waves, an electron wave directional coupler switch has been proposed and fabricated by several authors in the past [2, 3, 4]. Such an electronic switch promises to yield high switching speeds, yet with extremely low power dissipations. In modelling this device, the analogy between optical waves and electron waves can only be carried so fax. In particular, it’s temperature sensitivity and scattering effects have to be considered carefully.

© 1994 Optical Society of America