Quantum dots investigated with charge detection techniques

The detection of the quantum dot charge state using a quantum point contact charge detector has opened a new exciting route for the investigation of quantum dot devices in recent years. In particular, time-resolved charge detection allowed the precise measurement of quantum dot shot noise at subfemtoampere current levels, and the full counting statistics of the current. The technique can be applied to different material systems and holds promise for future application in quantum dot based quantum information processing implementations. We review recent experiments employing this charge detection technique, including the self-interference of individual electrons and back-action phenomena. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.