Single-Electron Transistors

A single-electron transistor (SET) is a highly sensitive electronic device that controls the flow of individual electrons, rather than large groups. It consists of a tiny conducting "island" connected to electrodes by very thin insulating barriers called tunnel junctions. When a small voltage is applied, electrons tunnel one at a time onto or off the island, creating precise control over current flow. This allows SETs to detect extremely small signals and measure charge with extraordinary accuracy, making them valuable in advanced sensing, quantum computing, and highly sensitive electronics.