Non-invasive detection of molecular bonds in quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a non-invasive method to detect molecular bonds in quantum dots by analyzing charge detection patterns in a triple quantum dot system with varying tunnel couplings.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to distinguish atomic-like and molecule-like states in quantum dots through charge detection patterns, advancing quantum dot characterization.

Findings

Patterns depend on tunnel coupling strength

Molecular bonds can be detected non-invasively

Distinct signatures for atomic and molecular states

Abstract

We performed charge detection on a lateral triple quantum dot with star-like geometry. The setup allows us to interpret the results in terms of two double dots with one common dot. One double dot features weak tunnel coupling and can be understood with atom-like electronic states, the other one is strongly coupled forming molecule-like states. In nonlinear measurements we identified patterns that can be analyzed in terms of the symmetry of tunneling rates. Those patterns strongly depend on the strength of interdot tunnel coupling and are completely different for atomic- or molecule-like coupled quantum dots allowing the non-invasive detection of molecular bonds.