Bidirectional single-electron counting and the fluctuation theorem

Abstract

We investigate the direction-resolved full counting statistics of single-electron tunneling through a double quantum-dot system and compare with predictions of the fluctuation theorem (FT) for Markovian stochastic processes. Experimental data obtained for GaAs/GaAlAs heterostructures appear to violate the FT. After analyzing various potential sources for the discrepancy we conclude that the nonequilibrium shot noise of the quantum point contact electrometer, which is used to study the transport, induces strong dot-level fluctuations which significantly influence the tunneling statistics. Taking these modifications into account we find consistency with the FT. © 2010 The American Physical Society.