Transmission phase of a quantum dot: Testing the role of population switching

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experiment with double quantum dots in an Aharonov--Bohm interferometer to test if population switching explains phase lapses in electron transmission through nanoscale devices.

Contribution

It introduces a controlled experimental setup to directly test the population switching hypothesis for phase lapses in quantum dot transmission.

Findings

Design of a decisive experiment for population switching

Clarification of phase lapse mechanisms in quantum dots

Potential to distinguish between competing theories

Abstract

We propose a controlled experiment to clarify the physical mechanism causing phase lapses of the amplitude for electron transmission through nanoscale devices. Such lapses are generically observed in valleys between adjacent Coulomb--blockade peaks. The experiment involves two quantum dots embedded in the same arm of an Aharonov--Bohm interferometer. It offers a decisive test of "population switching", one of the leading contenders for an explanation of the phenomenon.