  In the surface acoustic wave quantum computer, the spin state of an electron
trapped in a moving quantum dot comprises the physical qubit of the scheme. Via
detailed analytic and numerical modeling of the qubit dynamics, we discuss the
effect of excitations into higher-energy orbital states of the quantum dot that
occur when the qubits pass through magnetic fields. We describe how
single-qubit quantum operations, such as single-qubit rotations and
single-qubit measurements, can be performed using only localized static
magnetic fields. The models provide useful parameter regimes to be explored
experimentally when the requirements on semiconductor gate fabrication and the
nanomagnetics technology are met in the future.

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics;Quantum Physics