Electron Correlations in a Quantum Dot with Bychkov-Rashba Coupling

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of how Bychkov-Rashba spin-orbit coupling affects the energy spectrum and magnetic properties of interacting electrons in a quantum dot, highlighting potential experimental probes.

Contribution

The work develops a theoretical approach to analyze the impact of spin-orbit coupling on electron interactions and magnetic behavior in quantum dots, revealing new spectral and magnetization features.

Findings

Spin-orbit coupling causes level crossings in the ground state.

Magnetization jumps shift to lower magnetic fields with increased coupling.

Low-field magnetization can serve as a probe for spin-orbit strength.

Abstract

We report on a theoretical approach developed to investigate the influence of Bychkov-Rashba interaction on a few interacting electrons confined in a quantum dot. We note that the spin-orbit coupling profoundly influences the energy spectrum of interacting electrons in a quantum dot. Inter-electron interaction causes level crossings in the ground state and a jump in magnetization. As the coupling strength is increased, that jump is shifted to lower magnetic fields. Low-field magnetization will therefore provide a direct probe of the spin-orbit coupling strength in a quantum dot.