Tunneling through Quantum Dots with Discrete Symmetries

TL;DR

This paper reviews how discrete symmetries in complex quantum dots influence Kondo co-tunneling, highlighting the role of device geometry and external fields in shaping quantum transport phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of geometrical and external field-induced symmetries on the dynamical properties of quantum dots.

Findings

Discrete symmetries affect the spin multiplet structure in quantum dots.

External electric and magnetic fields modify these symmetries and their effects.

Analogies with molecular quantum tunneling are discussed.

Abstract

We describe in this short review the influence of discrete symmetries in complex quantum dots on the Kondo co-tunneling through these nano-objects. These discrete symmetries stem from the geometrical structure of the tunneling devices (e.g spatial symmetry of multivalley quantum dot in a tunneling contact with leads). They affect the dynamical symmetry of spin multiplets characterizing the ground state and excitations in quantum dots with definite electron number occupation. The influence of external electric and magnetic fields on these symmetries is examined, and analogies with the physics of quantum tunneling through molecular complexes are discussed.