We present experimental and theoretical results demonstrating the readout o
f a single spin based quantum bit by current detection. The quantum bit has
been built by isolating a single electron spin in a lateral dot with a tun
able number of electrons. The spin state of the dot was read from the curre
nt amplitude resulting from the injection of spin polarized electrons. The
current amplitude showed a systematic dependence on the spin state of the d
ot controlled by the number of electrons. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al
l rights reserved.