Co-proposed quantum computing with electron spins in quantum dots and helped develop the theoretical and institutional foundations of semiconductor-spin quantum information processing.
arXiv / Physical Review AarXiv / NanotechnologyUniversity of BaselLoss helped turn the spin of a confined electron into a detailed proposal for a quantum-computing building block. The shared Loss–DiVincenzo architecture specifies how spins could store information and interact to perform gates, while later work examines the obstacles between that proposal and an operating machine. His Basel research and participation in NCCR SPIN connect the theoretical program to a broader semiconductor-qubit effort. Inclusion recognizes an architectural contribution and sustained research activity, without assigning him every subsequent experimental result in the field.
University of BaselarXiv / Physical Review AarXiv / NanotechnologyThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 1998
Electron spins as quantum-dot qubits
With David DiVincenzo, Loss proposed a universal quantum-computing architecture using the spins of single electrons in coupled quantum dots. The gates rely on local spin operations and controlled interactions between neighboring dots. The original paper also analyzes gate quality in the presence of environmental decoherence.
Joint theoretical proposal by Daniel Loss and David P. DiVincenzo.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Physical Review A - 2005
From architecture to implementation requirements
Loss co-authored a detailed tutorial with Veronica Cerletti, W. A. Coish and Oliver Gywat that examines solid-state spin-computing proposals, experimental progress and unresolved obstacles. Its treatment of the Loss–DiVincenzo approach connects theoretical requirements with experiments needed to make quantum-dot computing work.
Co-author with Veronica Cerletti, W. A. Coish and Oliver Gywat of the tutorial.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Nanotechnology - 2020
A shared program for silicon spin qubits
The University of Basel records Loss as a founding member and co-director of NCCR SPIN from 2020. This institutional role places his theoretical work within a coordinated research effort on spin qubits in silicon. His university biography also documents his Basel professorship and leadership of its quantum-computing and coherence center.
Founding member and co-director role recorded by the University of Basel.
Source-supported recordUniversity of Basel
Keep in perspective
The original quantum-dot architecture is a joint proposal with David DiVincenzo. Later device achievements belong to the teams that report them; a proposal is not itself a demonstration of a working processor.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Electron spins as quantum-dot qubits
Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots
Supports: Joint proposal, authorship and quantum-dot spin-gate mechanism.
Published 8 Jan 1997 · Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Joint theoretical proposal by Daniel Loss and David P. DiVincenzo.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Electron spins as quantum-dot qubits1998 | Primary paperQuantum Computation with Quantum Dots Joint proposal, authorship and quantum-dot spin-gate mechanism. Published 8 Jan 1997 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Joint theoretical proposal by Daniel Loss and David P. DiVincenzo. |
| From architecture to implementation requirements2005 | Primary paperRecipes for spin-based quantum computing Tutorial authorship; theoretical and experimental implementation obstacles; journal reference Nanotechnology 16, R27 (2005). Published 1 Dec 2004 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Co-author with Veronica Cerletti, W. A. Coish and Oliver Gywat of the tutorial. |
| A shared program for silicon spin qubits2020 | Institutional recordProf. Dr. Daniel Loss: CV and Research Interests Professor of Theoretical Physics at Basel; institutional address; QC2 directorship and NCCR SPIN founding/co-director role from 2020. Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Founding member and co-director role recorded by the University of Basel. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- University of BaselInstitutional record
Prof. Dr. Daniel Loss: CV and Research Interests
Professor of Theoretical Physics at Basel; institutional address; QC2 directorship and NCCR SPIN founding/co-director role from 2020.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / Physical Review APrimary paper
Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots
Joint proposal, authorship and quantum-dot spin-gate mechanism.
Published 8 Jan 1997 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / NanotechnologyPrimary paper
Recipes for spin-based quantum computing
Tutorial authorship; theoretical and experimental implementation obstacles; journal reference Nanotechnology 16, R27 (2005).
Published 1 Dec 2004 · Checked 19 Sept 2026