Magnetically controlled current flow in coupled-dot arrays

TL;DR

This paper investigates quantum transport in a periodic array of quantum dots under magnetic fields, revealing magnetic control of current flow and providing a method to observe magnetic subband formation in quasi-one-dimensional systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates how magnetic fields influence quantum transport in coupled-dot arrays and proposes a simple experimental setup to observe magnetic subbands.

Findings

Magnetic fields induce significant changes in current flow.

The device spectrum reflects the band structure of the artificial crystal.

Current modulation depends on temperature and material parameters.

Abstract

Quantum transport through an open periodic array of up to five dots is investigated in the presence of a magnetic field. The device spectrum exhibits clear features of the band structure of the corresponding one-dimensional artificial crystal which evolves with varying field. A significant magnetically controlled current flow is induced with changes up to many orders of magnitude depending on temperature and material parameters. Our results put forward a simple design for measuring with current technology the magnetic subband formation of quasi one-dimensional Bloch electrons.