  A serial triple quantum dot (TQD) electrostatically defined in a GaAs/AlGaAs
heterostructure is characterized by using a nearby quantum point contact as
charge detector. Ground state stability diagrams demonstrate control in the
regime of few electrons charging the TQD. An electrostatic model is developed
to determine the ground state charge configurations of the TQD. Numerical
calculations are compared with experimental results. In addition, the tunneling
conductance through all three quantum dots in series is studied. Quantum
cellular automata processes are identified, which are where charge
reconfiguration between two dots occurs in response to the addition of an
electron in the third dot.
