Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:cond-mat/9808026 · Physical review. B, Condensed matter

Coupled quantum dots as quantum gates

Guido Burkard, Daniel Loss, David Peter Divincenzo

Published Jan 15, 1999• 1,476 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We consider a quantum-gate mechanism based on electron spins in coupled semiconductor quantum dots. Such gates provide a general source of spin entanglement and can be used for quantum computers. We determine the exchange coupling $J$ in the effective Heisenberg model as a function of magnetic $(B)$ and electric fields, and of the interdot distance $a$ within the Heitler-London approximation of molecular physics. This result is refined by using $\mathrm{sp}$ hybridization, and by the Hund-Mulliken molecular-orbit approach, which leads to an extended Hubbard description for the two-dot system that shows a remarkable dependence on $B$ and $a$ due to the long-range Coulomb interaction. We find that the exchange $J$ changes sign at a finite field (leading to a pronounced jump in the magnetization) and then decays exponentially. The magnetization and the spin susceptibilities of the coupled dots are calculated. We show that the dephasing due to nuclear spins in GaAs can be strongly suppressed by dynamical nuclear-spin polarization and/or by magnetic fields.

DOI
10.1103/physrevb.59.2070

Related papers

Spin-orbit coupling effects in two-electron coupled quantum dots

Fabio Baruffa

In the last years, the electron spin in quantum dots has become a most promising candidate for the realization of qubits, the basic element for quantum computation. In quantum dot spin qubits the exchange interaction implements a fundamental two qubit gate, which originates in the Coulomb interaction and the Pauli principle. Compared to single qubit gates, the exchange based gates are much faster and easier to control locally, motivating the solely exchange energy based quantum computation. The control is based on the exponential sensitivity of the exchange energy on the interparticle distance. Manipulation then can proceed, for example, shifting the single particle states electrically or compressing them magnetically. The practical manipulation schemes require quantitative knowledge of the exchange energy. The spin-orbit interaction plays an important role in this nano-system. Indeed the usual exchange interaction changes its magnitude, while a new term, called anisotropic exchange, appears. In this thesis we propose an accurate effective spin Hamiltonian for modeling spin-orbit-induced spin dynamics in the presence of the magnetic field. We have also performed numerically exact calculations of the isotropic and anisotropic exchange coupling in realistic two-electron GaAs coupled quantum dots in the presence of both Dresselhaus and Bychkov-Rashba spin-orbit interactions. The numerics allow us to establish the goodness of our model and to see the limits of previous statements. Furthermore we find that in zero magnetic field the second-order spin-orbit effects are absent at all interdot couplings.

•Jan 1, 2011•0 citations

Hilbert-space structure of a solid-state quantum computer: Two-electron states of a double-quantum-dot artificial molecule

Xuedong Hu, S. Das Sarma

We theoretically study a double-quantum-dot hydrogen molecule in the GaAs conduction band as the basic elementary gate for a quantum computer, with the electron spins in the dots serving as qubits. Such a two-dot system provides the necessary two-qubit entanglement required for quantum computation. We determine the excitation spectrum of two horizontally coupled quantum dots with two confined electrons, and study its dependence on an external magnetic field. In particular, we focus on the splitting of the lowest singlet and triplet states, the double occupation probability of the lowest states, and the relative energy scales of these states. We point out that at zero magnetic field it is difficult to have both a vanishing double occupation probability for a small error rate and a sizable exchange coupling for fast gating. On the other hand, finite magnetic fields may provide finite exchange coupling for quantum computer operations with small errors. We critically discuss the applicability of the envelope-function approach in the current scheme, and also the merits of various quantum-chemical approaches in dealing with few-electron problems in quantum dots, such as the Hartree-Fock self-consistent-field method, the molecular-orbital method, the Heisenberg model, and the Hubbard model. We also discuss a number of relevant issues in quantum dot quantum computing in the context of our calculations, such as the required design tolerance, spin decoherence, adiabatic transitions, magnetic-field control, and error correction.

arXiv:quant-ph/9911080•Physical Review A•May 3, 2000•368 citations

Semiconductor quantum dots for electron spin qubits

Wilfred G. van der Wiel, Michael P. Stopa, Tetsuo Kodera +2 more

We report on our recent progress in applying semiconductor quantum dots for spin-based quantum computation, as proposed by Loss and DiVincenzo (1998 Phys. Rev. A 57 120). For the purpose of single-electron spin resonance, we study different types of single quantum dot devices that are designed for the generation of a local ac magnetic field in the vicinity of the dot. We observe photon-assisted tunnelling as well as pumping due to the ac voltage induced by the ac current driven through a wire in the vicinity of the dot, but no evidence for ESR so far. Analogue concepts for a double quantum dot and the hydrogen molecule are discussed in detail. Our experimental results in laterally coupled vertical double quantum dot device show that the Heitler–London model forms a good approximation of the two-electron wavefunction. The exchange coupling constant J is estimated. The relevance of this system for two-qubit gates, in particular the SWAP operation, is discussed. Density functional calculations reveal the importance of the gate electrode geometry in lateral quantum dots for the tunability of J in realistic two-qubit gates.

New Journal of Physics•Feb 21, 2006•37 citations

Exchange coupling in semiconductor nanostructures

M. J. Calderón, Belita Koiller, S. Das Sarma

The exchange coupling of the spins of two electrons in double well potentials in a semiconductor background is calculated within the Heitler-London (HL) approximation. Atomic and quantum dot types of confining potentials are considered, and a systematic analysis for the source of inaccuracies in the HL approach is presented. For the strongly confining coulombic atomic potentials in the H2 molecule, the most dramatic failure occurs at very large interatomic distances, where HL predicts a triplet ground state, both in 3D and in 2D, coming from the absence of electron-electron correlation effects in this approach. For a 2D double well potential, failures are identified at relatively smaller interdot distances, and may be attributed to the less confining nature of the potential, leading to larger overlap and consequently an inadequate representation of the two-particle states written, within HL, in terms of the ground state orbital at each isolated well. We find that in the double dot case, the range of validity of HL is improved (restricted) in a related 3D (1D) model, and that results always tend to become more reliable as the interdot distance increases. Our calculated exchange coupling is of relevance to the exchange gate quantum computer architectures in semiconductors.

•Dec 14, 2005•0 citations

Spin interactions and switching in vertically tunnel-coupled quantum dots

Guido Burkard, Georg Seelig, Daniel Loss

We determine the spin-exchange coupling J between two electrons located in two vertically tunnel-coupled quantum dots, and its variation when magnetic (B) and electric (E) fields (both in-plane and perpendicular) are applied. We predict a strong decrease of J as the in-plane B field is increased, mainly due to orbital compression. Combined with the Zeeman splitting, this leads to a singlet-triplet crossing, which can be observed as a pronounced jump in the magnetization at in-plane fields of a few T, and perpendicular fields of the order of 10 T for typical self-assembled dots. We use harmonic potentials to model the confining of electrons, and calculate the exchange J using the Heitler-London and Hund-Mulliken techniques, including the long-range Coulomb interaction. With our results we provide experimental criteria for the distinction of singlet and triplet states, and therefore for microscopic spin measurements. In the case where dots of different sizes are coupled, we present a simple method to switch the spin coupling on and off with exponential sensitivity using an in-plane electric field. Switching the spin coupling is essential for quantum computation using electronic spins as qubits.

arXiv:cond-mat/9910105•Physical review. B, Condensed matter•Jul 15, 2000•141 citations

The exchange interaction between neighboring quantum dots: physics and applications in quantum information processing

Zheng Gang Zhou, Yixin Li, Zhiyuan Wu +3 more

Abstract Electron spins confined in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are one of potential candidates for physical implementation of scalable quantum information processing technologies. Tunnel coupling based inter exchange interaction between QDs is crucial in achieving single-qubit manipulation, two-qubit gate, quantum communication and quantum simulation. This review first provides a theoretical perspective that surveys a general framework, including the Helter−London approach, the Hund−Mulliken approach, and the Hubbard model, to describe the inter exchange interactions between semiconductor quantum dots. An electrical method to control the inter exchange interaction in a realistic device is proposed as well. Then the significant achievements of inter exchange interaction in manipulating single qubits, achieving two-qubit gates, performing quantum communication and quantum simulation are reviewed. The last part is a summary of this review.

Journal of Semiconductors•Oct 1, 2024•12 citations
We consider a quantum-gate mechanism based on electron spins in coupled semiconductor quantum dots. Such gates provide a general source of spin entanglement and can be used for quantum computers. We determine the exchange coupling JJJ in the effective Heisenberg model as a function of magnetic (B)(B)(B) and electric fields, and of the interdot distance aaa within the Heitler-London approximation of molecular physics. This result is refined by using sp\mathrm{sp}sp hybridization, and by the Hund-Mulliken molecular-orbit approach, which leads to an extended Hubbard description for the two-dot system that shows a remarkable dependence on BBB and aaa due to the long-range Coulomb interaction. We find that the exchange JJJ changes sign at a finite field (leading to a pronounced jump in the magnetization) and then decays exponentially. The magnetization and the spin susceptibilities of the coupled dots are calculated. We show that the dephasing due to nuclear spins in GaAs can be strongly suppressed by dynamical nuclear-spin polarization and/or by magnetic fields.
In the last years, the electron spin in quantum dots has become a most promising candidate for the realization of qubits, the basic element for quantum computation. In quantum dot spin qubits the exchange interaction implements a fundamental two qubit gate, which originates in the Coulomb interaction and the Pauli principle. Compared to single qubit gates, the exchange based gates are much faster and easier to control locally, motivating the solely exchange energy based quantum computation. The control is based on the exponential sensitivity of the exchange energy on the interparticle distance. Manipulation then can proceed, for example, shifting the single particle states electrically or compressing them magnetically. The practical manipulation schemes require quantitative knowledge of the exchange energy. The spin-orbit interaction plays an important role in this nano-system. Indeed the usual exchange interaction changes its magnitude, while a new term, called anisotropic exchange, appears. In this thesis we propose an accurate effective spin Hamiltonian for modeling spin-orbit-induced spin dynamics in the presence of the magnetic field. We have also performed numerically exact calculations of the isotropic and anisotropic exchange coupling in realistic two-electron GaAs coupled quantum dots in the presence of both Dresselhaus and Bychkov-Rashba spin-orbit interactions. The numerics allow us to establish the goodness of our model and to see the limits of previous statements. Furthermore we find that in zero magnetic field the second-order spin-orbit effects are absent at all interdot couplings.
We theoretically study a double-quantum-dot hydrogen molecule in the GaAs conduction band as the basic elementary gate for a quantum computer, with the electron spins in the dots serving as qubits. Such a two-dot system provides the necessary two-qubit entanglement required for quantum computation. We determine the excitation spectrum of two horizontally coupled quantum dots with two confined electrons, and study its dependence on an external magnetic field. In particular, we focus on the splitting of the lowest singlet and triplet states, the double occupation probability of the lowest states, and the relative energy scales of these states. We point out that at zero magnetic field it is difficult to have both a vanishing double occupation probability for a small error rate and a sizable exchange coupling for fast gating. On the other hand, finite magnetic fields may provide finite exchange coupling for quantum computer operations with small errors. We critically discuss the applicability of the envelope-function approach in the current scheme, and also the merits of various quantum-chemical approaches in dealing with few-electron problems in quantum dots, such as the Hartree-Fock self-consistent-field method, the molecular-orbital method, the Heisenberg model, and the Hubbard model. We also discuss a number of relevant issues in quantum dot quantum computing in the context of our calculations, such as the required design tolerance, spin decoherence, adiabatic transitions, magnetic-field control, and error correction.
We report on our recent progress in applying semiconductor quantum dots for spin-based quantum computation, as proposed by Loss and DiVincenzo (1998 Phys. Rev. A 57 120). For the purpose of single-electron spin resonance, we study different types of single quantum dot devices that are designed for the generation of a local ac magnetic field in the vicinity of the dot. We observe photon-assisted tunnelling as well as pumping due to the ac voltage induced by the ac current driven through a wire in the vicinity of the dot, but no evidence for ESR so far. Analogue concepts for a double quantum dot and the hydrogen molecule are discussed in detail. Our experimental results in laterally coupled vertical double quantum dot device show that the Heitler–London model forms a good approximation of the two-electron wavefunction. The exchange coupling constant J is estimated. The relevance of this system for two-qubit gates, in particular the SWAP operation, is discussed. Density functional calculations reveal the importance of the gate electrode geometry in lateral quantum dots for the tunability of J in realistic two-qubit gates.
The exchange coupling of the spins of two electrons in double well potentials in a semiconductor background is calculated within the Heitler-London (HL) approximation. Atomic and quantum dot types of confining potentials are considered, and a systematic analysis for the source of inaccuracies in the HL approach is presented. For the strongly confining coulombic atomic potentials in the H2 molecule, the most dramatic failure occurs at very large interatomic distances, where HL predicts a triplet ground state, both in 3D and in 2D, coming from the absence of electron-electron correlation effects in this approach. For a 2D double well potential, failures are identified at relatively smaller interdot distances, and may be attributed to the less confining nature of the potential, leading to larger overlap and consequently an inadequate representation of the two-particle states written, within HL, in terms of the ground state orbital at each isolated well. We find that in the double dot case, the range of validity of HL is improved (restricted) in a related 3D (1D) model, and that results always tend to become more reliable as the interdot distance increases. Our calculated exchange coupling is of relevance to the exchange gate quantum computer architectures in semiconductors.
We determine the spin-exchange coupling J between two electrons located in two vertically tunnel-coupled quantum dots, and its variation when magnetic (B) and electric (E) fields (both in-plane and perpendicular) are applied. We predict a strong decrease of J as the in-plane B field is increased, mainly due to orbital compression. Combined with the Zeeman splitting, this leads to a singlet-triplet crossing, which can be observed as a pronounced jump in the magnetization at in-plane fields of a few T, and perpendicular fields of the order of 10 T for typical self-assembled dots. We use harmonic potentials to model the confining of electrons, and calculate the exchange J using the Heitler-London and Hund-Mulliken techniques, including the long-range Coulomb interaction. With our results we provide experimental criteria for the distinction of singlet and triplet states, and therefore for microscopic spin measurements. In the case where dots of different sizes are coupled, we present a simple method to switch the spin coupling on and off with exponential sensitivity using an in-plane electric field. Switching the spin coupling is essential for quantum computation using electronic spins as qubits.
Abstract Electron spins confined in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are one of potential candidates for physical implementation of scalable quantum information processing technologies. Tunnel coupling based inter exchange interaction between QDs is crucial in achieving single-qubit manipulation, two-qubit gate, quantum communication and quantum simulation. This review first provides a theoretical perspective that surveys a general framework, including the Helter−London approach, the Hund−Mulliken approach, and the Hubbard model, to describe the inter exchange interactions between semiconductor quantum dots. An electrical method to control the inter exchange interaction in a realistic device is proposed as well. Then the significant achievements of inter exchange interaction in manipulating single qubits, achieving two-qubit gates, performing quantum communication and quantum simulation are reviewed. The last part is a summary of this review.