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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection

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Self-sustaining dynamical nuclear polarization oscillations in quantum dots.

M S Rudner¹, L S Levitov

¹The Niels Bohr International Academy, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Physical Review Letters

|March 12, 2013

Summary

A new model explains current oscillations in quantum dots. It uses nuclear spin dynamics and spin-dependent tunneling to reveal the mechanism behind these mysterious, long-lasting oscillations.

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Area of Science:

Quantum physics
Condensed matter physics
Spintronics

Background:

Early experiments on spin-blockaded double quantum dots showed current oscillations under DC bias.
Dynamical nuclear polarization was suspected, but the underlying mechanism remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a minimal yet realistic model for coupled electron and nuclear spin dynamics.
To elucidate the mechanism behind self-sustained current oscillations in quantum dot systems.

Main Methods:

Developed a theoretical model of coupled electron and nuclear spin dynamics.
Incorporated a nuclear spin analog of tunneling magnetoresistance.
Included nuclear spin diffusion to model polarization profile dynamics.

Main Results:

The model successfully supports self-sustained current oscillations.
It explains oscillations based on spin-dependent tunneling and nuclear spin diffusion.
The framework accounts for differences between vertical and lateral quantum dot structures.

Conclusions:

The proposed model provides a clear mechanism for observed current oscillations.
It explains the long oscillation periods and structural dependencies.
This work advances the understanding of spin dynamics in quantum dots.