Quantum Dots Offer Evidence of Quantum Darwinism

In this research, quantum dots were created in a quantum "well" of InAs (Indium Arsenide) using electron-beam lithography and wet etching. Quantum dots, or nanocrystals, are a special class of semiconductors.

Scanning gate microscopy (SGM) was used to image the quantum dots. For clarity, a Fourier transform (mathematical simulation) of the original experimental SGM images was done. The Fourier transform highlighted the diamond structure below and revealed replicating scars in the orignial image and the simulation that may support the theory of Quantum Darwinism. 

  "Periodic Scarred States in Open Quantum Dots as Evidence of Quantum Darwinism," Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 176801 (2010)

¹ School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering and Center for Solid State Electronics Research, Arizona State University
² High Performance Computing Initiative, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering Arizona State University
³ Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.

This research and work was supported in part by the Office of Naval Research and a grant from Arizona State University’s GPSA Graduate Research Support Program.

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