“…Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are the subject of increasing interest due to their potential in developing a new generation of optoelectronic devices. − As an example, a group of closely spaced QDs can act as a “QD molecule” (QDM), which is interesting, both as a new playground for studying interacting electronic systems and as a building block to perform complex quantum computing operations. − The simplest QDM is composed of two interacting QDs. A well-developed technique to fabricate such QDM is the epitaxial growth of a vertically aligned QD pair, − in which the coupling between two QDs can be tuned by the spacer thickness and external fields. , Another approach to obtain QDMs is to fabricate a laterally coupled QD pair. Since self-assembled QDs are typically characterized by a flat geometry, the nature of the lateral coupling may differ appreciably from that of vertical coupling, rendering the study of laterally coupled QDMs of fundamental interest. , However, the stochastic nature of self-assembly growth results in the random distribution of InAs QDs on GaAs surfaces, presenting an obstacle for fabrication of laterally coupled QDMs.…”