The possibility of processing digital information coded by single elec
trons on the atomic scale is discussed by analyzing the dynamics of on
e and two electrons within a simple model structure. Specifically, the
probability of passage of an electron within a chain of atomic sites
through a potential well, either empty or already occupied by another
electron, is investigated both analytically and numerically. It is dem
onstrated that quantum effects can significantly decrease the reliabil
ity of the control that one electron has over the propagation of anoth
er. For the structure considered, a few tens of atomic sites and a spe
cific choice of the potential well depth are necessary for reliable co
ntrol.