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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Silicon Metal-oxide-semiconductor Quantum Dots for Single-electron Pumping
Published on: June 3, 2015
Electron-Hole Confinement Symmetry in Silicon Quantum Dots
Filipp Mueller1, Georgios Konstantaras1, Paul C Spruijtenburg1
1NanoElectronics Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
We demonstrate ambipolar quantum dots in silicon capable of controlling both electrons and holes. This symmetry is crucial for advancing spin-based quantum information processing by enabling direct comparison and manipulation within the same environment.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Quantum dots are essential for quantum computing.
- Ambipolar devices offer versatile control over charge carriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the properties of a gate-defined ambipolar quantum dot in intrinsic silicon.
- To explore the potential of ambipolar quantum dots for quantum information processing.
Main Methods:
- Electrical transport measurements were performed.
- Gate-defined quantum dot fabrication in intrinsic silicon.
- Analysis of gate capacitances and charging energies.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated ambipolar operation, allowing control of both electrons and holes.
- Observed electron-hole confinement symmetry.
- Changed dot occupancy by 20 charge carriers in each regime.
Conclusions:
- Ambipolar quantum dots in silicon show significant promise for spin-based quantum information processing.
- The ability to manipulate and compare electrons and holes in the same environment is a key advantage.
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