# Dimensions of quantum cell automata's state space

+ 1 like - 0 dislike
246 views

In the paper

C. S. Lent and P. D. Tougaw, "A device architecture for computing with quantum dots," in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 85, no. 4, pp. 541-557, April 1997, doi: 10.1109/5.573

about quantum dots, it is stated that the basis vectors in the state space for a single cell (four quantum dots) are of the form
$$|\phi_1\rangle = |\begin{array}{cccc}0&0&0&1 \\ 0&0&0&1\end{array}\rangle \\ \vdots \\ |\phi_{16}\rangle = |\begin{array}{cccc}1&0&0&0 \\ 1&0&0&0\end{array}\rangle$$
where the columns are related to the dot in which there is an electron, and the rows tell the projection of the spin (first row meaning that the spin points upwards). Therefore, the authors state that there are $16$ different basis states and that the dimension of the state space for $N$ cells is $16^N$.

However, I don't see why they only take into account states in which the electrons have opposite spin projections, and they are ignoring basis states like
$$|\begin{array}{cccc}1&1&0&0 \\ 0&0&0&0\end{array}\rangle$$
Of course, because of the exclusion principle, the unique possibility for having two electrons in the same dot is that they have opposite spins, like in state $|\phi_1\rangle$, but I don't see why there should be such a restriction for two electrons being in different dots. If we take into account these extra basis states, the dimension of the state space for a single cell would be
$$\dfrac{8!}{2! \cdot 6!} = 28\ ,$$
so we have $28^N$ for $N$ cells.

Why aren't these states taken into account?

 Please use answers only to (at least partly) answer questions. To comment, discuss, or ask for clarification, leave a comment instead. To mask links under text, please type your text, highlight it, and click the "link" button. You can then enter your link URL. Please consult the FAQ for as to how to format your post. This is the answer box; if you want to write a comment instead, please use the 'add comment' button. Live preview (may slow down editor)   Preview Your name to display (optional): Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on: Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: If you are a human please identify the position of the character covered by the symbol $\varnothing$ in the following word:p$\hbar$ysicsOver$\varnothing$lowThen drag the red bullet below over the corresponding character of our banner. When you drop it there, the bullet changes to green (on slow internet connections after a few seconds). To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register.