Energy spectra of quantum rings

Screw dislocation in a Rashba spin-orbit coupled α - T 3 Aharonov-Bohm quantum ring

In this paper we investigate the effect of a topological defect, such as a screw dislocation in an α - T 3 Aharonov-Bohm quantum ring and scrutinized the effects of an external transverse magnetic field and Rashba spin-orbit coupling therein. The screw dislocation yields an effective flux which reshape the periodic oscillations in the persistent current in both charge and spin sectors, with a period equal to one flux quantum. Moreover, they suffer a phase shift proportional to the degree of dislocation, and include scattering effects due to the dislocation present in the system. Such tunable oscillation of the spin persistent current highlights applications of our system as potential spintronic devices. Further, the behaviour of the current induced by the Burgers vector ( b z ) which denotes the strength of the dislocation is investigated in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field. In both the scenarios, an almost linear decrease in the current profile as a function of the Burgers vector is observed. Notably, without the external magnetic field, the Burgers current suffers a back flow for α = 1 (dice lattice), while in the presence of the external magnetic field, for other values of α (e.g., α = 0.5 ) this back flow occurs for a specific value of b z . Additionally, the presence of the distortion induces a chirality effect, giving rise to an additional chiral current even in the absence of an external field. Furthermore, in the absence of field, the Burgers spin current initially rises, attains a maximum before diminishing as b z is enhance for all values of α . However, such a non-monotonicity in the Burgers spin current is conspicuously non-existent in the presence of an external field. The chiral current discussed above may hold important applications to spintronics.

Spin and charge persistent currents in a Kane Meleα-T3quantum ring

We conduct a thorough study of different persistent currents in a spin-orbit coupledα-T3(pseudospin-1) fermionic quantum ring (QR) that smoothly interpolates between graphene (α = 0, pseudospin-1/2) and a dice lattice (α = 1, pseudospin-1) in presence of an external perpendicular magnetic field. In particular, we have considered effects of intrinsic (ISOC) and Rashba spin-orbit couplings (RSOC) that are both inherent to two dimensional quantum structures and yield interesting consequences. The energy levels of the system comprise of the conduction bands, valence bands, and flat bands which show non-monotonic dependencies on the radius,Rof the QR, in the sense that, for smallR, the energy levels vary as1/R, while the variation is linear for largeR. The dispersion spectra corresponding to zero magnetic field are benchmarked with those for finite fields to enumerate the role played by the spin-orbit coupling terms therein. Further, it is noted that the flat bands demonstrate dispersive behavior, and hence is able to contribute to the transport properties only for finite ISOC. Moreover, RSOC yields spin-split bands, thereby contributing to the spin-resolved currents. The charge and the spin-polarized persistent currents are hence computed in presence of these spin-orbit couplings. The persistent currents in both the charge and spin sectors oscillate as a function of the magnetic field with a period equal to the flux quantum, as they should be; although they now depend upon the spin-orbit coupling parameters. Interestingly, the ISOC distorts the current profiles, owing to the distribution of the flat band caused by it, whereas RSOC alone preserves the flat band and hence a perfect periodicity of the current characteristic is maintained. Further, we have explored the role played by the parameterαin our entire analysis to enable studies while interpolating from graphene to a dice lattice.

Enhancement of persistent currents and magnetic fields in a two dimensional quantum ring

We present the study of the SiGe quantum ring (QR) modeled by an anharmonic axially symmetric potential with a centrifugal core in the effective mass approximation. We show how the femtosecond laser pulses (FLPs) can be used efficiently for controlling the induced current and magnetic field. We have compared the strength of induced currents and magnetic fields with and without pulsed laser which shows a substantial change. The spin-orbit interaction (SOI) and Zeeman energy show a massive impact on the generation and enhancement of these induced current and magnetic fields. These induced currents and magnetic fields have many applications in interdisciplinary areas. We have shown that the SOI presence with the FLP fields while competing with the confinement strength lowers the strength of the induced current and field.

Tuning the conductance of carbon rings with impurities and electric fields

We explore two mechanisms to tune the electronic conductance of carbon atom rings, namely, substitutional impurities and in-plane external electric fields. First-principles calculations and a tight-binding approach are used to model the systems. Two bond configurations are studied, cumulenic and polyynic, which can be relevant depending on the number of carbon atoms in the ring. We find that both impurity substitution and electric field mechanisms allow for modifying the electronic spectrum and transport characteristics. Interestingly, cumulenic and polyynic carbon rings present a different response to these perturbations, which can also be a way to elucidate the bond nature of these structures.

Vortex structure in Wigner molecules

We study clusters of vortices for Wigner molecules formed in the laboratory frame induced by anisotropy of the external potential or electron effective mass. For anisotropic systems the ground-state vortex structure undergoes a continuous evolution when the magnetic field is varied in contrast to isotropic systems where it changes rapidly at angular momentum transitions. In fractional quantum Hall conditions the additional vortices first appear on the edges of the confined system far from the axis of a linear Wigner molecule and then approach the electron positions in growing magnetic field. For an isotropic mass the vortices tend to stay at the line perpendicular to the Wigner molecule axis and pass to the axis for the lowest Landau level filling factor of [Formula: see text]. In phosphorene the behaviour of the vortices is influenced by a strong anisotropy of the electron effective mass. The vortices are stabilized off the axis of the molecule when it is oriented along the armchair crystal direction. For the molecule oriented along the zigzag direction the vortices are transfered to the molecule axis already at [Formula: see text]. The transfer is associated with an antivortex creation and annihilation near the electron position.

Strain-induced thermoelectricity in pentacene

The present work discusses a non-synthetic strategy to achieve a favorable thermoelectric response in pentacene via strain. It is found that a uni-axial strain is capable of inducing spatial anisotropy in the molecule. As a result, the transmission spectrum becomes highly asymmetric under a particular strained scenario, which is the primary requirement to get a favorable thermoelectric response. Different thermoelectric quantities are computed for the strain-induced pentacene using Green's function formalism following the Landauer-Büttiker prescription. Various scenarios are considered to make the present work more realistic, such as the effects of substrate, coupling strength between the molecule and electrodes, dangling bonds, etc. Such a scheme to enhance the thermoelectric performance in pentacene is technologically intriguing and completely new to the best of our knowledge.

Effects of Parity and Symmetry on the Aharonov-Bohm Phase of a Quantum Ring

We experimentally investigate the properties of one-dimensional quantum rings that form near the surface of nanowire quantum dots. In agreement with theoretical predictions, we observe the appearance of forbidden gaps in the evolution of states in a magnetic field as the symmetry of a quantum ring is reduced. For a twofold symmetry, our experiments confirm that orbital states are grouped pairwise. Here, a π-phase shift can be introduced in the Aharonov-Bohm relation by controlling the relative orbital parity using an electric field. Studying rings with higher symmetry, we note exceptionally large orbital contributions to the effective g-factor (up to 300), which are many times higher than those previously reported. These findings show that the properties of a phase-coherent system can be significantly altered by the nanostructure symmetry and its interplay with wave function parity.

Laser Assisted Dirac Electron in a Magnetized Annulus

We study the behaviour of a charge bound on a graphene annulus under the assumption that the particle can be treated as a massless Dirac electron. The eigenstates and relative energy are found in closed analytical form. Subsequently, we consider a large annulus with radius ρ∈[5000,10,000]a0 in the presence of a static magnetic field orthogonal to its plane and again the eigenstates and eigenenergies of the Dirac electron are found in both analytical and numerical form. The possibility of designing filiform currents by controlling the orbital angular momentum and the magnetic field is shown. The currents can be of interest in optoelectronic devices that are controlled by electromagnetic radiation. Moreover, a small radial force acts upon the annulus with a stretching effect. A linearly polarized electromagnetic field propagating in the orthogonal direction is added; the time evolution of the operators show that the acceleration of the electron is proportional to the rate of change of the spin of the particle.

Manipulation of circular currents in a coupled ring system: effects of connectivity and non-uniform disorder

Considering a quantum network, here we propose two kinds of circular charge currents. These are referred as: net current in the full system and the current confined within a particular segment of the network. The network is composed of two rings, where one of the rings is subjected to a magnetic flux. Depending on the connectivity among the rings a new kind of states, insensitive to the magnetic flux, is generated along with the current carrying states. Because of this, a pronounced oscillation in net current with filling factor appears which suggests a possible switching action. Appearance of these vanishing current carrying states gradually decreases with increasing the degree of connectivity between the rings. As long as the rings are coupled by using more than a single bond, a circular current of other kind appears in the flux free ring which induces a strong magnetic field. The strength of this induced magnetic field can be regulated selectively by tuning the magnetic flux in the other ring. This phenomenon can be utilized for spin switching and other spintronic applications. Finally, we examine the role of non-uniform disorder on these currents, and find several atypical signatures. Our study can be generalized to any higher loop system for investigating magneto-transport properties.

Electrical control of spins and giant g-factors in ring-like coupled quantum dots

Emerging theoretical concepts for quantum technologies have driven a continuous search for structures where a quantum state, such as spin, can be manipulated efficiently. Central to many concepts is the ability to control a system by electric and magnetic fields, relying on strong spin-orbit interaction and a large g-factor. Here, we present a mechanism for spin and orbital manipulation using small electric and magnetic fields. By hybridizing specific quantum dot states at two points inside InAs nanowires, nearly perfect quantum rings form. Large and highly anisotropic effective g-factors are observed, explained by a strong orbital contribution. Importantly, we find that the orbital contributions can be efficiently quenched by simply detuning the individual quantum dot levels with an electric field. In this way, we demonstrate not only control of the effective g-factor from 80 to almost 0 for the same charge state, but also electrostatic change of the ground state spin.

Quantum Rings Engineered by Atom Manipulation

We created hexagonal rings on a semiconductor surface by atom manipulation in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Our measurements reveal the generic level structure of a quantum ring, including its single ground state and doubly degenerate excited states. The ring shape leads to a periodic potential modulation and thereby a perturbation of the level structure that can be understood in analogy to band gap formation in a one-dimensional periodic potential. The modulation can be enhanced or inverted by further adding or removing atoms with the STM tip. Our results demonstrate the possibility of designing and controlling electron dynamics in a tunable periodic potential, holding promise for the construction of two-dimensional artificial lattices on a semiconductor surface.

The key to controlling the morphologies of quantum nanocrystals: spherical carborane ligands

Carboranyl ligands with different functional moieties have been used to obtain different morphologies in the quantum regime using a colloidal route.

Excitonic Aharonov-Bohm Oscillations in Core-Shell Nanowires

Phase coherence in nanostructures is at the heart of a wide range of quantum effects such as Josephson oscillations between exciton-polariton condensates in microcavities, conductance quantization in 1D ballistic transport, or the optical (excitonic) Aharonov-Bohm effect in semiconductor quantum rings. These effects only occur in structures of the highest perfection. The 2D semiconductor heterostructures required for the observation of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations have proved to be particularly demanding, since interface roughness or alloy fluctuations cause a loss of the spatial phase coherence of excitons, and ultimately induce exciton localization. Experimental work in this field has so far relied on either self-assembled ring structures with very limited control of shape and dimension or on lithographically defined nanorings that suffer from the detrimental effects of free surfaces. Here, it is demonstrated that nanowires are an ideal platform for studies of the Aharonov-Bohm effect of neutral and charged excitons, as they facilitate the controlled fabrication of nearly ideal quantum rings by combining all-binary radial heterostructures with axial crystal-phase quantum structures. Thanks to the atomically flat interfaces and the absence of alloy disorder, excitonic phase coherence is preserved even in rings with circumferences as large as 200 nm.

Current-Induced Crossover of Flux Periodicity from h/2 e to h/e in a Superconducting Nb Nano-Ring

Magnetoresistance measurements in a granular Nb nanoring reveal current-induced crossover between two distinct quantum coherence effects. At low bias currents, Cooper-pair coherence is manifested by Little-Parks oscillations with flux periodicity of h/2 e. At high bias currents, magnetoresistance oscillations with flux periods of h/ e are observed and interpreted as Aharonov-Bohm oscillations, reflecting the phase coherence of individual quasi-particles. The model explaining these data views the ring as a chain of superconducting grains weakly coupled by tunnel junctions. Low bias currents allow coherent tunneling of Cooper pairs between the grains. Increasing the current above the critical current of all the junctions creates a quasi-particles conduction channel along the ring, allowing for quantum interference of quasi-particles.

Direct Patterning of p-Type-Doped Few-layer WSe2 Nanoelectronic Devices by Oxidation Scanning Probe Lithography

Direct, robust, and high-resolution patterning methods are needed to downscale the lateral size of two-dimensional materials to observe new properties and optimize the overall processing of these materials. In this work, we report a fabrication process where the initial microchannel of a few-layer WSe₂ field-effect transistor is treated by oxygen plasma to form a self-limited oxide layer on top of the flake. This thin oxide layer has a double role here. First, it induces the so-called p-doping effect in the device. Second, it enables the fabrication of oxide nanoribbons with controlled width and depth by oxidation scanning probe lithography (o-SPL). After the removal of the oxides by deionized H₂O etching, a nanoribbon-based field-effect transistor is produced. Oxidation SPL is a direct writing technique that minimizes the use of resists and lithographic steps. We have applied this process to fabricate a 5 nm thick WSe₂ field-effect transistor, where the channel consists in an array of 5 parallel 350 nm half-pitch nanoribbons. The electrical measurements show that the device presents an improved conduction level compared to the starting thin-layer transistor and a positive threshold voltage shift associated to the p-doping treatment. The method enables to pattern devices with sub-50 nm feature sizes. We have patterned an array of 10 oxide nanowires with 36 nm half-pitch by oxidation SPL.

Effects of Geometry on the Electronic Properties of Semiconductor Elliptical Quantum Rings

The electronic states in GaAs-Al_xGa_1-xAs elliptically-shaped quantum rings are theoretically investigated through the numerical solution of the effective mass band equation via the finite element method. The results are obtained for different sizes and geometries, including the possibility of a number of hill-shaped deformations that play the role of either connected or isolated quantum dots (hills), depending on the configuration chosen. The quantum ring transversal section is assumed to exhibit three different geometrical symmetries - squared, triangular and parabolic. The behavior of the allowed confined states as functions of the cross-section shape, the ring dimensions, and the number of hills-like structures are discussed in detail. The effective energy bandgap (photoluminescence peak with electron-hole correlation) is reported as well, as a function of the Al molar fraction.

Sub-10 Nanometer Feature Size in Silicon Using Thermal Scanning Probe Lithography

High-resolution lithography often involves thin resist layers which pose a challenge for pattern characterization. Direct evidence that the pattern was well-defined and can be used for device fabrication is provided if a successful pattern transfer is demonstrated. In the case of thermal scanning probe lithography (t-SPL), highest resolutions are achieved for shallow patterns. In this work, we study the transfer reliability and the achievable resolution as a function of applied temperature and force. Pattern transfer was reliable if a pattern depth of more than 3 nm was reached and the walls between the patterned lines were slightly elevated. Using this geometry as a benchmark, we studied the formation of 10-20 nm half-pitch dense lines as a function of the applied force and temperature. We found that the best pattern geometry is obtained at a heater temperature of ∼600 °C, which is below or close to the transition from mechanical indentation to thermal evaporation. At this temperature, there still is considerable plastic deformation of the resist, which leads to a reduction of the pattern depth at tight pitch and therefore limits the achievable resolution. By optimizing patterning conditions, we achieved 11 nm half-pitch dense lines in the HM8006 transfer layer and 14 nm half-pitch dense lines and L-lines in silicon. For the 14 nm half-pitch lines in silicon, we measured a line edge roughness of 2.6 nm (3σ) and a feature size of the patterned walls of 7 nm.

Tuning of few-electron states and optical absorption anisotropy in GaAs quantum rings

The electronic and optical properties of a GaAs quantum ring (QR) with few electrons in the presence of the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) and the Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction (DSOI) have been investigated theoretically. The configuration interaction (CI) method is employed to calculate the eigenvalues and eigenstates of the multiple-electron QR accurately. Our numerical results demonstrate that the symmetry breaking induced by the RSOI and DSOI leads to an anisotropic distribution of multi-electron states. The Coulomb interaction offers additional modulation of the electron distribution and thus the optical absorption indices in the quantum rings. By tuning the magnetic/electric fields and/or electron numbers in a quantum ring, one can change its optical properties significantly. Our theory provides a new way to control the multi-electron states and optical properties of a QR by hybrid modulations or by electrical means only.

Interaction-driven distinctive electronic states of artificial atoms at the ZnO interface

We have investigated the electronic states of planar quantum dots at the ZnO interface containing a few interacting electrons in an externally applied magnetic field. The electron-electron interaction effects are expected to be much stronger in this case than in traditional semiconductor quantum systems, such as in GaAs or InAs quantum dots. In order to highlight that stronger Coulomb effects in the ZnO quantum dots, we have compared the energy spectra and the magnetization in this system to those of the InAs quantum dots. We have found that in the ZnO quantum dots the signatures of stronger Coulomb interaction manifests in an unique ground state that has very different properties than the corresponding ones in the InAs dot. Our results for the magnetization also exhibits behaviors never before observed in a quantum dot for a realistic set of parameters. We have found a stronger temperature dependence and other unexpected features, such as paramagnetic-like behavior at high temperatures for a quantum-dot helium.

Electronic properties of superlattices on quantum rings

We present a theoretical study of the one-electron states of a semiconductor-made quantum ring (QR) containing a series of piecewise-constant wells and barriers distributed along the ring circumference. The single quantum well and the superlattice cases are considered in detail. We also investigate how such confining potentials affect the Aharonov-Bohm like oscillations of the energy spectrum and current in the presence of a magnetic field. The model is simple enough so as to allow obtaining various analytical or quasi-analytical results. We show that the well-in-a-ring structure presents enhanced localization features, as well as specific geometrical resonances in its above-barrier spectrum. We stress that the superlattice-in-a-ring structure allows giving a physical meaning to the often used but usually artificial Born-von-Karman periodic conditions, and discuss in detail the formation of energy minibands and minigaps for the circumferential motion, as well as several properties of the superlattice eigenstates in the presence of the magnetic field. We obtain that the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations of below-barrier miniband states are reinforced, owing to the important tunnel coupling between neighbour wells of the superlattice, which permits the electron to move in the ring. Additionally, we analysis a superlattice-like structure made of a regular distribution of ionized impurities placed around the QR, a system that may implement the superlattice in a ring idea. Finally, we consider several random disorder models, in order to study roughness disorder and to tackle the robustness of some results against deviations from the ideally nanostructured ring system.

Advanced oxidation scanning probe lithography

Force microscopy enables a variety of approaches to manipulate and/or modify surfaces. Few of those methods have evolved into advanced probe-based lithographies. Oxidation scanning probe lithography (o-SPL) is the only lithography that enables the direct and resist-less nanoscale patterning of a large variety of materials, from metals to semiconductors; from self-assembled monolayers to biomolecules. Oxidation SPL has also been applied to develop sophisticated electronic and nanomechanical devices such as quantum dots, quantum point contacts, nanowire transistors or mechanical resonators. Here, we review the principles, instrumentation aspects and some device applications of o-SPL. Our focus is to provide a balanced view of the method that introduces the key steps in its evolution, provides some detailed explanations on its fundamentals and presents current trends and applications. To illustrate the capabilities and potential of o-SPL as an alternative lithography we have favored the most recent and updated contributions in nanopatterning and device fabrication.

Tip-Based Nanofabrication for Scalable Manufacturing

Tip-based nanofabrication (TBN) is a family of emerging nanofabrication techniques that use a nanometer scale tip to fabricate nanostructures. In this review, we first introduce the history of the TBN and the technology development. We then briefly review various TBN techniques that use different physical or chemical mechanisms to fabricate features and discuss some of the state-of-the-art techniques. Subsequently, we focus on those TBN methods that have demonstrated potential to scale up the manufacturing throughput. Finally, we discuss several research directions that are essential for making TBN a scalable nano-manufacturing technology.

Irregular Aharonov-Bohm effect for interacting electrons in a ZnO quantum ring

The electronic states and optical transitions of a ZnO quantum ring containing few interacting electrons in an applied magnetic field are found to be very different from those in a conventional semiconductor system, such as a GaAs ring. The strong Zeeman interaction and the Coulomb interaction of the ZnO system, two important characteristics of the electron system in ZnO, exert a profound influence on the electron states and on the optical properties of the ring. In particular, our results indicate that the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect in a ZnO quantum ring strongly depends on the electron number. In fact, for two electrons in the ZnO ring, the AB oscillations become aperiodic, while for three electrons (interacting) the AB oscillations completely disappear. Therefore, unlike in conventional quantum ring topology, here the AB effect (and the resulting persistent current) can be controlled by varying the electron number.

Electron Interference in Hall Effect Measurements on GaAs/InAs Core/Shell Nanowires

We present low-temperature magnetotransport measurements on GaAs/InAs core/shell nanowires contacted by regular source-drain leads as well as laterally attached Hall contacts, which only touch parts of the nanowire sidewalls. Low-temperature measurements between source and drain contacts show typical phase coherent effects, such as universal conductance fluctuations in a magnetic field aligned perpendicularly to the nanowire axis as well as Aharonov-Bohm-type oscillations in a parallel aligned magnetic field. However, the signal between the Hall contacts shows a Hall voltage buildup, when the magnetic field is turned perpendicular to the nanowire axis while current is driven through the wire using the source-drain contacts. At low temperatures, the phase coherent effects measured between source and drain leads are superimposed on the Hall voltage, which can be explained by nonlocal probing of large segments of the nanowire. In addition, the Aharonov-Bohm-type oscillations are also observed in the magnetoconductance at magnetic fields aligned parallel to the nanowire axis, using the laterally contacted leads. This measurement geometry hereby directly corresponds to classical Aharonov-Bohm experiments using planar quantum rings. In addition, the Hall voltage is used to characterize the nanowires in terms of charge carrier concentration and mobility, using temperature- and gate-dependent measurements as well as measurements in tilted magnetic fields. The GaAs/InAs core/shell nanowire used in combination with laterally attached contacts is therefore the ideal system to three-dimensionally combine quantum ring experiments using the cross-sectional plane and Hall experiments using the axial nanowire plane.

Analytical and simulation results of a triple micro whispering gallery mode probe system for a 3D blood flow rate sensor

The whispering gallery mode (WGM) is generated by light propagating within a nonlinear micro-ring resonator, which is modeled and made by an InGaAsP/InP material, and called a Panda ring resonator. An imaging probe can also be formed by the micro-conjugate mirror function for the appropriate Panda ring parameter control. The 3D WGM probe can be generated and used for a 3D sensor head and imaging probe. The analytical details and simulation results are given, in which the simulation results are obtained by using the MATLAB and Optiwave programs. From the obtained results, such a design system can be configured to be a thin-film sensor system that can contact the sample surface for the required measurements The outputs of the system are in the form of a WGM beam, in which the 3D WGM probe is also available with the micro-conjugate mirror function. Such a 3D probe can penetrate into the blood vessel and content, from which the time delay among those probes can be detected and measured, and where finally the blood flow rate can be calculated and the blood content 3D image can also be seen and used for medical diagnosis. The tested results have shown that the blood flow rate of 0.72-1.11  μs^-1, with the blood density of 1060  kgm^-3, can be obtained.

Centrifugal photovoltaic and photogalvanic effects driven by structured light

Much efforts are devoted to material structuring in a quest to enhance the photovoltaic effect. We show that structuring light in a way it transfers orbital angular momentum to semiconductor-based rings results in a steady charge accumulation at the outer boundaries that can be utilized for the generation of an open circuit voltage or a photogalvanic (bulk photovoltaic) type current. This effect which stems both from structuring light and matter confinement potentials, can be magnified even at fixed moderate intensities, by increasing the orbital angular momentum of light which strengthens the effective centrifugal potential that repels the charge outwards. Based on a full numerical time propagation of the carriers wave functions in the presence of light pulses we demonstrate how the charge buildup leads to a useable voltage or directed photocurrent whose amplitudes and directions are controllable by the light pulse parameters.

Charge transport through a semiconductor quantum dot-ring nanostructure

Transport properties of a gated nanostructure depend crucially on the coupling of its states to the states of electrodes. In the case of a single quantum dot the coupling, for a given quantum state, is constant or can be slightly modified by additional gating. In this paper we consider a concentric dot-ring nanostructure (DRN) and show that its transport properties can be drastically modified due to the unique geometry. We calculate the dc current through a DRN in the Coulomb blockade regime and show that it can efficiently work as a single-electron transistor (SET) or a current rectifier. In both cases the transport characteristics strongly depend on the details of the confinement potential. The calculations are carried out for low and high bias regime, the latter being especially interesting in the context of current rectification due to fast relaxation processes.

Superpersistent currents and whispering gallery modes in relativistic quantum chaotic systems

Persistent currents (PCs), one of the most intriguing manifestations of the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect, are known to vanish for Schrödinger particles in the presence of random scatterings, e.g., due to classical chaos. But would this still be the case for Dirac fermions? Addressing this question is of significant value due to the tremendous recent interest in two-dimensional Dirac materials. We investigate relativistic quantum AB rings threaded by a magnetic flux and find that PCs are extremely robust. Even for highly asymmetric rings that host fully developed classical chaos, the amplitudes of PCs are of the same order of magnitude as those for integrable rings, henceforth the term superpersistent currents (SPCs). A striking finding is that the SPCs can be attributed to a robust type of relativistic quantum states, i.e., Dirac whispering gallery modes (WGMs) that carry large angular momenta and travel along the boundaries. We propose an experimental scheme using topological insulators to observe and characterize Dirac WGMs and SPCs, and speculate that these features can potentially be the base for a new class of relativistic qubit systems. Our discovery of WGMs in relativistic quantum systems is remarkable because, although WGMs are common in photonic systems, they are relatively rare in electronic systems.

A solenoidal synthetic field and the non-Abelian Aharonov-Bohm effects in neutral atoms

Cold neutral atoms provide a versatile and controllable platform for emulating various quantum systems. Despite efforts to develop artificial gauge fields in these systems, realizing a unique ideal-solenoid-shaped magnetic field within the quantum domain in any real-world physical system remains elusive. Here we propose a scheme to generate a “hairline” solenoid with an extremely small size around 1 micrometer which is smaller than the typical coherence length in cold atoms. Correspondingly, interference effects will play a role in transport. Despite the small size, the magnetic flux imposed on the atoms is very large thanks to the very strong field generated inside the solenoid. By arranging different sets of Laguerre-Gauss (LG) lasers, the generation of Abelian and non-Abelian SU(2) lattice gauge fields is proposed for neutral atoms in ring- and square-shaped optical lattices. As an application, interference patterns of the magnetic type-I Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect are obtained by evolving atoms along a circle over several tens of lattice cells. During the evolution, the quantum coherence is maintained and the atoms are exposed to a large magnetic flux. The scheme requires only standard optical access, and is robust to weak particle interactions.

Advanced scanning probe lithography

The nanoscale control afforded by scanning probe microscopes has prompted the development of a wide variety of scanning-probe-based patterning methods. Some of these methods have demonstrated a high degree of robustness and patterning capabilities that are unmatched by other lithographic techniques. However, the limited throughput of scanning probe lithography has prevented its exploitation in technological applications. Here, we review the fundamentals of scanning probe lithography and its use in materials science and nanotechnology. We focus on robust methods, such as those based on thermal effects, chemical reactions and voltage-induced processes, that demonstrate a potential for applications.

Fractional conductance oscillations in quantum rings: wave packet picture of transport in a few-electron system

We study electron transfer across a two-terminal quantum ring using a time-dependent description of the scattering process. For the considered scattering event the quantum ring is initially charged with one or two electrons, with another electron incident to the ring from the input channel. We study the electron transfer probability (T) as a function of the external magnetic field. We determine the periodicity of T for a varied number of electrons confined within the ring. For that purpose we develop a method to describe the wave packet dynamics for a few electrons participating in the scattering process, taking into full account the electron-electron correlations. We find that electron transfer across the quantum ring initially charged by a single electron acquires a distinct periodicity of half of the magnetic flux quantum (Φ0/2), corresponding to the formation of a transient two-electron state inside the ring. In the case of a three-electron scattering problem with two electrons initially occupying the ring, a period of Φ0/3 for T is formed in the limit of thin channels. The effect of disorder present in the confinement potential of the ring is also discussed.

Multisubband transport and magnetic deflection of Fermi electron trajectories in three terminal junctions and rings

We study the electron transport in three terminal junctions and quantum rings looking for the classical deflection of electron trajectories in the presence of intersubband scattering. We indicate that although the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and the Lorentz force effects co-exist in the low subband transport, for higher Fermi energies a simultaneous observation of both effects is difficult and calls for carefully formed structures. In particular, in quantum rings with channels wider than the input lead the Lorentz force is well resolved but the Aharonov-Bohm periodicity is lost in chaotic scattering events. In quantum rings with equal lengths of the channels and T-shaped junctions the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations are distinctly periodic but the Lorentz force effects are not well pronounced. We find that systems with wedge-shaped junctions allow for observation of both the periodic Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and the magnetic deflection.

Exact wave functions of two-electron quantum rings

We demonstrate that the Schrödinger equation for two electrons on a ring, which is the usual paradigm to model quantum rings, is solvable in closed form for particular values of the radius. We show that both polynomial and irrational solutions can be found for any value of the angular momentum and that the singlet and triplet manifolds, which are degenerate, have distinct geometric phases. We also study the nodal structure associated with these two-electron states.

Persistent current and Drude weight for the one-dimensional Hubbard model from current lattice density functional theory

The Bethe ansatz local density approximation (LDA) to lattice density functional theory (LDFT) for the one-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model is extended to current-LDFT (CLDFT). The transport properties of mesoscopic Hubbard rings threaded by a magnetic flux are then systematically investigated by this scheme. In particular we present calculations of ground state energies, persistent currents and Drude weights for both a repulsive homogeneous and a single impurity Hubbard model. Our results for the ground state energies in the metallic phase compare favorably well with those obtained with numerically accurate many-body techniques. Also the dependence of the persistent currents on the Coulomb and the impurity interaction strength, and on the ring size are all well captured by LDA-CLDFT. Our study demonstrates the value of CLDFT in describing the transport properties of one-dimensional correlated electron systems. As its computational overheads are rather modest, we propose this method as a tool for studying problems where both disorder and interaction are present.

Orbital and spin dynamics of intraband electrons in quantum rings driven by twisted light

We theoretically investigate the effect that twisted light has on the orbital and spin dynamics of electrons in quantum rings possessing sizable Rashba spin-orbit interaction. The system Hamiltonian for such a strongly inhomogeneous light field exhibits terms which induce both spin-conserving and spin-flip processes. We analyze the dynamics in terms of the perturbation introduced by a weak light field on the Rasha electronic states, and describe the effects that the orbital angular momentum as well as the inhomogeneous character of the beam have on the orbital and the spin dynamics.

Nanospiral Formation by Droplet Drying: One Molecule at a Time

We have created nanospirals by self-assembly during droplet evaporation. The nanospirals, 60-70 nm in diameter, formed when solvent mixtures of methanol and m-cresol were used. In contrast, spin coating using only methanol as the solvent produced epitaxial films of stripe nanopatterns and using only m-cresol disordered structure. Due to the disparity in vapor pressure between the two solvents, droplets of m-cresol solution remaining on the substrate serve as templates for the self-assembly of carboxylic acid molecules, which in turn allows the visualization of solution droplet evaporation one molecule at a time.

REALIZATION OF A TWO-QUBIT QUANTUM GATE UTILIZING EDGE STATES AROUND ANTIDOTS

It is known that a two-spin system with four energy levels can be used to realize a two-qubit quantum gate. A feasible realization of quantum gates should rely on stable quantum mechanical states. An example of such states are edge states which arise around regions with high potential in a strong magnetic field. In this paper we show that certain edge states around a pair of antidots may be suitable for quantum gate implementation.

Micro-photoluminescence of GaAs/AlGaAs triple concentric quantum rings

A systematic optical study, including micro, ensemble and time resolved photoluminescence of GaAs/AlGaAs triple concentric quantum rings, self-assembled via droplet epitaxy, is presented. Clear emission from localized states belonging to the ring structures is reported. The triple rings show a fast decay dynamics, around 40 ps, which is expected to be useful for ultrafast optical switching applications.

Nonlinear optical properties in a nanoring: quantum size and magnetic field effect

We have studied the nonlinear optical absorption and the nonlinear optical rectification of an exciton in a nanoring in the presence of magnetic flux. The calculation results show that one can control the properties of nonlinear optical absorption and nonlinear optical rectification of a nanoring by tuning the outer and inner radius. Moreover, we find that the nonlinear optical properties of a nanoring can be modulated by the magnetic flux through the nanoring.

Mapping leakage currents in a nanostructure fabricated via local anodic oxidation

The functionality of nanostructures fabricated via local anodic oxidation is limited by undesired leakage currents. We use low-temperature scanning gate microscopy to pin down the spatial position where leakage currents are most likely to occur. We show that leakage currents do not flow homogeneously along the complete barrier but at distinct weak points such as crossings of two oxide lines. These findings can be used to improve the design of such nanostructures.

Electronic properties of a defected ring-shaped quantum dot array

In this paper we present a theoretical study of an array of circularly arranged quantum dots with a rectangular Kronig-Penney potential in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. For a perfect array of dots, an analytical formula for energy dispersion is derived. We also study the effects of disorder on the energy spectrum and persistent tunneling current. The effects of electron-electron interaction are then investigated for both perfect and defected arrays. We show that the period of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations is fractional for interacting electrons confined in a perfect array. In contrast, for a defected array, we find a critical value of electron-electron interaction strength at which a transition occurs from an integer to a fractional period of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations. Moreover, it is shown that the persistent current of weakly interacting electrons confined in a defected array is greater than the current of non- or strongly interacting electrons.

Spin relaxation in semiconductor quantum rings and dots--a comparative study

We calculate spin relaxation times due to spin-orbit-mediated electron-phonon interactions for experimentally accessible semiconductor quantum ring and dot architectures. We elucidate the differences between the two systems due to different confinement. The estimated relaxation times (at B = 1 T) are in the range between a few milliseconds to a few seconds. This high stability of spin in a quantum ring allows us to test it as a spin qubit. A brief discussion of quantum state manipulations with such a qubit is presented.

Electronic transitions in quantum dots and rings induced by inhomogeneous off-centered light beams

We theoretically investigate the effect of inhomogeneous light beams with (twisted light) and without (plane-wave light) orbital angular momentum on semiconductor-based nanostructures, when the symmetry axes of the beam and the nanostructure are displaced parallel to each other. Exact analytical results are obtained by expanding the off-centered light field in terms of the appropriate light modes centered around the nanostructure. We demonstrate how electronic transitions involving the transfer of different amounts of orbital angular momentum are switched on and off as a function of the separation between the axes of the beam and the system. In particular, we show that even off-centered plane-wave beams induce transitions such that the angular momenta of the initial and final states are different.

Aharonov-Bohm conductance through a single-channel quantum ring: persistent-current blockade and zero-mode dephasing

We study the effect of electron-electron interaction on transport through a tunnel-coupled single-channel ring. We find that the conductance as a function of magnetic flux shows a series of interaction-induced resonances that survive thermal averaging. The period of the series is given by the interaction strength α. The physics behind this behavior is the blocking of the tunneling current by the circular current. The main mechanism of dephasing is due to circular-current fluctuations. The dephasing rate is proportional to the tunneling rate and does not depend on α.