Electron counting experiments attempt to provide a current of a known number of electrons per unit time. We propose architectures utilizing a few readily available electron pumps or turnstiles with modest error rates of 1 part per ${10}^4$ with common sensitive electrometers to achieve the desirable accuracy of 1 part in ${10}^8$. This is achieved not by counting all transferred electrons, but by counting only the errors of individual devices; these are less frequent and therefore readily recognized and accounted for. Our proposal thereby eases the route towards quantum-based standards for current and capacitance.

• Received 14 September 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.035312