Stability of the maximum density droplet in quantum dots at high magnetic fields

TL;DR

This study investigates the stability of the maximum density droplet (MDD) state in quantum dots with up to 40 electrons under high magnetic fields, revealing how the MDD stability region shrinks with more electrons and involves charge redistribution.

Contribution

It provides experimental insights into the electron number dependence of MDD stability and charge redistribution in quantum dots at high magnetic fields.

Findings

MDD stability decreases as electron number increases

Charge redistribution enlarges the electron droplet area

MDD becomes unstable beyond certain magnetic fields

Abstract

We have measured electron transport through a vertical quantum dot containing a tunable number of electrons between 0 and 40. Over some region in magnetic field the electrons are spin polarized and occupy successive angular momentum states, i.e. the maximum density droplet (MDD) state. The stability region where the MDD state is the ground state, decreases for increasing electron number. The instability of the MDD is accompanied by a redistribution of charge which increases the area of the electron droplet.