Reconfigurable Quantum-Dot Molecules Created by Atom Manipulation

Quantum-dot molecules were constructed on a semiconductor surface using atom manipulation by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at 5 K. The molecules consist of several coupled quantum dots, each of which comprises a chain of charged adatoms that electrostatically confines intrinsic surface-state electrons. The coupling takes place across tunnel barriers created reversibly using the STM tip. These barriers have an invariant, reproducible atomic structure and can be positioned - and repeatedly repositioned - to create a series of reconfigurable quantum-dot molecules with atomic precision.