5.2.2 Error Rate/Probability

   One has to distinguish between two error processes. One is a  decay process where a stored bit of information changes its value over time. For example, an electron leaves a quantum dot spontaneously and discharges it. This can occur for instance due to thermal agitation or  co-tunneling. Another error mechanism is that a write cycle stores the wrong information, although the correct value was applied to the cell. A similar error could happen when reading the information stored in a cell, which may produce the wrong result.