Quantum interference in resonant tunneling and single spin measurements

TL;DR

This paper investigates quantum interference effects in resonant tunneling through multi-level systems, demonstrating their potential for phase measurement and single spin detection via shot-noise modulation.

Contribution

It introduces a model linking quantum interference in tunneling to phase differences and spin dynamics, enabling single spin measurement techniques.

Findings

Quantum interference modulates tunneling current based on phase differences.

Interference effects produce a peak in shot-noise at Zeeman splitting frequency.

The model explains tunneling current modulation observed in STM experiments.

Abstract

We consider the resonant tunneling through a multi-level system. It is demonstrated that the resonant current displays quantum interference effects due to a possibility of tunneling through different levels. We show that the interference effects are strongly modulated by a relative phase of states carrying the current. This makes it possible to use these effects for measuring the phase difference between resonant states in quantum dots. We extend our model for a description of magnetotransport through the Zeeman doublets. It is shown that, due to spin-flip transitions, the quantum interference effects generate a distinct peak in the shot-noise power spectrum at the frequency of Zeeman splitting. This mechanism explains modulation in the tunneling current at the Larmor frequency observed in scanning tunneling microscope experiments and can be utilized for a single spin measurement.