To complete the steps as suggested by Barbara Ash
Here it is:
Step 1: Create a rectangle with a black and white gradient. You may want to add another black stop/point to extend the dark area

Step 2: Apply Effect -> Pixelate -> Color Halftone (you may want to increase the maximum radius (dot size) to create accurate circle dots later.

Step 3: If you forgot to increase the dot size. Ensure that you increase the resolution in the Effect -> Document Raster Effect Settings.

Step 4: Expand Appearance (Object Menu -> Expand Appearance)
Step 5: Image Trace (Object Menu -> Image Trace -> Make).
Don't forget to show the Image Trace Panel for the fine-tuning of the settings (Window menu -> Image Trace)

Step 6: Once you're satisfied with the trace, Expand (Object Menu -> Expand)

Step 7: Ungroup twice (Object menu -> Ungroup or Ctrl+Shift+G)
Step 8: Make Compound Path (Object menu -> Compound Path -> Make)

Step 9: Apply a gradient to the compound path (you won't achieve the gradient unless you make a compound path)

Step 10: Create a rectangle with your background color, and Send to back

Now you can rotate, add clipping mask or combine with your artwork! 
