Gate-defined quantum dots on carbon nanotubes

We report the realization of nanotube-based multiple quantum dots that are fully defined and controlled with electrostatic gates. Metallic top-gates are used to produce localized depletion regions in the underlying tubes; a pair of such depletion regions in a nanotube with ohmic contact electrodes defines the quantum dot. Top-gate voltages tune the transparencies of tunnel barriers as well as the electrostatic energies within single and multiple dots. This approach allows precise control over multiple devices on a single tube, and serves as a design paradigm for nanotube-based electronics and quantum systems.