Spin droplet formation in quantum dots

Abstract

A lateral quantum dot with approx. 50 electrons is analyzed in high perpendicular magnetic fields. In a regime with two Landau levels (LL) in the quantum dot information about the spin structure is gained by investigating the position of Coulomb blockade peaks. A typical zig-zag pattern is observed which is roughly explained with the so called Constant Interaction model. However, only states from LL0 can be approximated with this model, while for LL1 more complex electron-electron interactions must be included. This is done with spin density functional theory calculations. As a result, full spin polarization is found for LL1, the so called spin droplet. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.