Spin relaxation in quantum dots due to electron exchange with leads

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical model for spin relaxation in quantum dots caused by electron exchange with leads, accurately fitting experimental current profiles and highlighting the importance of extrinsic rates for understanding intrinsic spin relaxation mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a rate equation-based model that describes the entire current profile in spin blockade regimes, accounting for extrinsic exchange effects.

Findings

Single expression fits entire current profile

Extrinsic rates are crucial for accurate intrinsic relaxation measurement

Model describes both conduction peaks and valley regions

Abstract

We calculate spin relaxation rates in lateral quantum dot systems due to electron exchange between dots and leads. Using rate equations, we develop a theoretical description of the experimentally observed electric current in the spin blockade regime of double quantum dots. Single expression fits the entire current profile and describes the structure of both the conduction peaks and of the suppressed (`valley') region. Extrinsic rates calculated here have to be taken into account for accurate extraction of intrinsic relaxation rates due to the spin-orbit and hyperfine spin scattering mechanisms from spin blockade measurements.