Interactions and interference in quantum dots: Kinks in Coulomb-blockade peak positions
Journal Article
We investigate the spin of the ground state of a geometrically confined many-electron system. For atoms, shell structure simplifies this problem—the spin is prescribed by the well-known Hund’s rule. In contrast, quantum dots provide a controllable setting for studying the interplay of quantum interference and electron-electron interactions in general cases. In a generic confining potential, the shell-structure argument suggests a singlet ground state for an even number of electrons. The interaction among the electrons produces, however, accidental occurrences of spin-triplet ground states, even for weak interaction, a limit which we analyze explicitly. Variation of an external parameter causes sudden switching between these states and hence a kink in the conductance. Experimental study of these kinks would yield the exchange energy for the “chaotic electron gas”. © 2000 The American Physical Society.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Baranger, HU; Ullmo, D
Published Date
- January 1, 2000
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 61 / 4
Start / End Page
- R2425 - R2428
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1550-235X
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1098-0121
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1103/PhysRevB.61.R2425
Citation Source
- Scopus