Are quantum dots useful for quantum computation?

Quantum dots (QDs) have unique features that render them potentially useful in quantum information processing. It is widely accepted that spin of an electron forms an almost ideal elementary unit of quantum information (qubit): QDs can be used to localize and address single spins using either electrical or optical methods. A QD embedded in a photonic nano-structure can also be an ideal deterministic source of single photons: recent theoretical results show that single photon pulses generated by a single QD, in combination with photodetectors and linear optical elements, may allow for efficient quantum computation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.