In this work we propose a ratchet effect which provides a general means of
performing clocked logic operations on discrete particles, such as single
electrons or vortices. The states are propagated through the device by the use
of an applied AC drive. We numerically demonstrate that a complete logic
architecture is realizable using this ratchet. We consider specific
nanostructured superconducting geometries using superconducting materials under
an applied magnetic field, with the positions of the individual vortices in
samples acting as the logic states. These devices can be used as the building
blocks for an alternative microelectronic architecture.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
