Tight-binding theory of coupled quantum dots and quantum dot arrays

Summary form only given. Revolutionary computer paradigms such as quantum computing demand the development of large arrays of coupled quantum dots. Excitons, electrons or holes in individual dots will act as qubits. Interdot coupling will provide a means to manipulate, interact, and entangle these qubits. An understanding of the electrical and optical properties of quantum dot arrays is needed. We present a theory for the electronic structure and optical properties of coupled quantum dots and periodic arrays of dots. As an example, we consider self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots. We show that coupling can produce significant level shifts, reorder levels, and change state symmetries. We use an empirical tight-binding method (ETB) to calculate the electronic structure of dot arrays. The effects of geometry and coupling between dots leads to important changes in the electronic structure and optical spectra of these configurations.