We consider the degrees of controllability of multi-partite quantum systems, as well as necessary and sufficient criteria for each case. The results are applied to the problem of simultaneous control of an ensemble of quantum dots with a single laser pulse. Finally, we apply optimal control techniques to demonstrate selective excitation of individual dots for a simultaneously controllable ensemble of quantum dots.

The problem of identifying the dynamical Lie algebras of finite-level quantum systems subject to external control is considered, with special emphasis on systems that are not completely controllable. In particular, it is shown that the dynamical Lie algebra for an N-level system with equally spaced energy levels and uniform transition dipole moments, is a subalgebra for $so(N)$ if $N=2\ell+1$, and a subalgebra of $sp(\ell)$ if $N=2\ell$. General conditions for obtaining either $so(2\ell+1)$ or $sp(\ell)$ are established.