Physics of lateral triple quantum-dot molecules with controlled electron numbers
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Nanofabrication of Gate-defined GaAs/AlGaAs Lateral Quantum Dots
Published on: November 1, 2013
Chang-Yu Hsieh1, Yun-Pil Shim, Marek Korkusinski
1Quantum Theory Group, Security and Disruptive Technologies, National Research Council, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada.
Abstract:
We review the recent progress in theory and experiments with lateral triple quantum dots with controlled electron numbers down to one electron in each dot. The theory covers electronic and spin properties as a function of topology, number of electrons, gate voltage and external magnetic field. The orbital Hund's rules and Nagaoka ferromagnetism, magnetic frustration and chirality, interplay of quantum interference and electron-electron interactions and geometrical phases are described and related to charging and transport spectroscopy. Fabrication techniques and recent experiments are covered, as well as potential applications of triple quantum-dot molecule in coherent control, spin manipulation and quantum computation.
Related Concept Videos
Quantum Numbers
Molecular Orbital Theory I
Electronic Structure of Atoms
An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum numbers: n, l, ml, and...
Molecular Orbital Theory II
The Pauli Exclusion Principle
The de Broglie Wavelength

