Nuclear Spin Dynamics in Double Quantum Dots: Fixed Points, Transients, and Intermittency

TL;DR

This paper explores how electron shot noise influences nuclear spin dynamics in double quantum dots, revealing slow intermittent current fluctuations that explain previously misunderstood phenomena.

Contribution

It identifies a fundamental process where electron shot noise drives nuclear spin dynamics, linking fast current fluctuations to slow nuclear polarization changes.

Findings

Electron shot noise induces nuclear spin dynamics.

Slow intermittent current fluctuations are explained.

New understanding of observed phenomena in quantum dots.

Abstract

Transport through spin-blockaded quantum dots provides a means for electrical control and detection of nuclear spin dynamics in the host material. Although such experiments have become increasingly popular in recent years, interpretation of their results in terms of the underlying nuclear spin dynamics remains challenging. Here we point out a fundamental process in which nuclear spin dynamics can be driven by electron shot noise; fast electric current fluctuations generate much slower nuclear polarization dynamics, which in turn affect electron dynamics via the Overhauser field. The resulting extremely slow intermittent current fluctuations account for a variety of observed phenomena that were not previously understood.