I describe a proposal to construct a quantum information processor using
ferroelectrically coupled Ge/Si quantum dots. The spin of single electrons form
the fundamental qubits. Small (<10 nm diameter) Ge quantum dots are optically
excited to create spin polarized electrons in Si. The static polarization of an
epitaxial ferroelectric thin film confines electrons laterally in the
semiconductor; spin interactions between nearest neighbor electrons are
mediated by the nonlinear process of optical rectification. Single qubit
operations are achieved through "g-factor engineering" in the Ge/Si structures;
spin-spin interactions occur through Heisenberg exchange, controlled by
ferroelectric gates. A method for reading out the final state, while required
for quantum computing, is not described; electronic approaches involving single
electron transistors may prove fruitful in satisfying this requirement.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure