Spinning quantum dots (Vol. 51, No. 2)

The expectation value of the electron spin for different rotation angles in four different semiconductor materials, showing a strong pattern of beats in each case.

A theoretical analysis of electron spins in slowly moving quantum dots suggests these can be controlled by electric fields.

‘Quantum dots’ are particles of semiconducting materials that are so tiny – a few nanometres in diameter – that they no longer behave quite like ordinary, macroscopic matter. Thanks to their quantum-like optical and electronic properties, they are showing promise as components of quantum computing devices, but these properties are not yet fully understood. In this work the theory behind some of these novel properties is described in detail.

Prabhakar, S. and Melnik, R. , Berry phase and spin precession without magnetic fields in semiconductor quantum dots, European Physical Journal B 92, 263 (2019)
[Abstract]