Quantumdots

Atomic-like systems in which electronic motion is two dimensional are now realizable as ``quantum dots''. In place of the attraction of a nucleus there is a confining potential, usually assumed to be quadratic. Additionally, a perpendicular magnetic field $B$ may be present. We review some recent rigorous results for these systems. We have shown that a Thomas-Fermi type theory for the ground state is asymptotically correct when $N$ and $B$ tend to infinity. There are several mathematically and physically novel features. 1. The derivation of the appropriate Lieb-Thirring inequality requires some added effort. 2. When $B$ is appropriately large the TF ``kinetic energy'' term disappears and a peculiar ``classical'' continuum electrostatic theory emerges. This is a two dimensional problem, but with a three dimensional Coulomb potential. 3. Corresponding to this continuum theory is a discrete ``classical'' electrostatic theory. The former provides an upper bound and the latter a lower bound to the true quantum energy; the problem of relating the two classical energies offers an amusing exercise in electrostatics.