Set out practical criteria for quantum computing and co-proposed electron-spin qubits in quantum dots, connecting abstract computation to the requirements of physical devices.
arXiv / Physical Review AarXiv / Fortschritte der PhysikForschungszentrum JülichDiVincenzo connects two questions that every hardware program must answer: what must a quantum computer be able to do, and which physical system can do it? His implementation criteria provide a vocabulary for assessing qubit preparation, control, coherence and measurement. With Daniel Loss he proposed a concrete semiconductor-spin architecture. Together, these contributions link general requirements to an enduring experimental direction. The profile credits the shared proposal jointly and separates that scientific legacy from institutional responsibilities that have since changed.
Forschungszentrum JülicharXiv / Physical Review AarXiv / Fortschritte der PhysikThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 1998
Quantum computation with quantum dots
Loss and DiVincenzo proposed storing quantum information in the spins of individual electrons confined in coupled quantum dots. Their paper described a universal set of single-qubit and two-qubit operations, with exchange interactions controlled through the tunnelling barrier between neighboring dots. The proposal appeared as a 1997 preprint before journal publication in 1998.
Joint theoretical proposal by Daniel Loss and David P. DiVincenzo.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Physical Review A - 2000
Requirements for a physical quantum computer
DiVincenzo organized the requirements for quantum computation into five criteria and added two for communicating quantum information. The paper assessed how proposed atomic, optical, magnetic, superconducting and quantum-dot systems could meet those requirements. It gave experimental programs a common checklist without declaring a winning hardware platform.
Sole author of the paper setting out computing and communication criteria.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Fortschritte der Physik - 2025
A change in institutional leadership
Jülich records that DiVincenzo retired as director of its Institute for Theoretical Nanoelectronics in August 2025 after fourteen years leading the institute. A March 2026 announcement identifies Markus Müller as his successor. The directory therefore describes DiVincenzo as a former director.
Personal career milestone documented by Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Source-supported recordForschungszentrum Jülich
Keep in perspective
Jülich directorship is explicitly historical following retirement in August 2025. No current principal work base or additional appointment is inferred. The spin-qubit architecture is jointly attributed to Daniel Loss.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Quantum computation with quantum dots
Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots
Supports: Loss and DiVincenzo authorship, electron-spin quantum-dot proposal and electrically controlled two-qubit gates.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum computation with quantum dots1998 | Primary paperQuantum Computation with Quantum Dots Loss and DiVincenzo authorship, electron-spin quantum-dot proposal and electrically controlled two-qubit gates. Published 8 Jan 1997 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Joint theoretical proposal by Daniel Loss and David P. DiVincenzo. |
| Requirements for a physical quantum computer2000 | Primary paperThe Physical Implementation of Quantum Computation Authorship; five computing requirements and two communication requirements. Published 25 Feb 2000 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Sole author of the paper setting out computing and communication criteria. |
| A change in institutional leadership2025 | Institutional recordMarkus Müller is the new Director of the Institute for Theoretical Nanoelectronics DiVincenzo retired in August 2025; successor appointment, previous directorship and fourteen-year tenure. Published 10 Mar 2026 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Personal career milestone documented by Forschungszentrum Jülich. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- arXiv / Physical Review APrimary paper
Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots
Loss and DiVincenzo authorship, electron-spin quantum-dot proposal and electrically controlled two-qubit gates.
Published 8 Jan 1997 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / Fortschritte der PhysikPrimary paper
The Physical Implementation of Quantum Computation
Authorship; five computing requirements and two communication requirements.
Published 25 Feb 2000 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - Forschungszentrum JülichInstitutional record
Markus Müller is the new Director of the Institute for Theoretical Nanoelectronics
DiVincenzo retired in August 2025; successor appointment, previous directorship and fourteen-year tenure.
Published 10 Mar 2026 · Checked 19 Sept 2026