Transport Spectroscopy of a Kondo quantum dot coupled to a finite size grain

TL;DR

This paper investigates a quantum dot coupled to a finite-size grain, enabling easier measurement of finite-size Kondo effects through transport spectroscopy, with the screening cloud mainly developing in the strongly coupled grain.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified setup where a quantum dot's Kondo screening cloud is studied via transport measurements in a finite-size grain, highlighting the decoupling of screening and transport channels.

Findings

Finite-size Kondo effects can be probed through transport spectroscopy.

The screening cloud predominantly develops in the strongly coupled grain.

Transport channels are nearly decoupled from the screening channels.

Abstract

We analyse a simple setup in which a quantum dot is strongly connected to a metallic grain or finite size wire and weakly connected to two normal leads. The Kondo screening cloud essentially develops in the strongly coupled grain whereas the two weakly connected reservoirs can be used as transport probes. Since the transport channels and the screening channels are almost decoupled, such a setup allows an easier access to the measure of finite-size Kondo effects.