Theory of the thermopower of a quantum dot

C. W. J. Beenakker and A. A. M. Staring
Phys. Rev. B 46, 9667 – Published 15 October 1992
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Abstract

A linear-response theory is presented for the thermopower of a quantum dot of small capacitance. In the classical regime (thermal energy kT much greater than the level spacing ΔE), the thermopower oscillates around zero in a sawtooth fashion as a function of Fermi energy (as long as kT is small compared to the charged energy e2/C). The periodicity of the oscillations is the same as that of the previously studied Coulomb-blockade oscillations in the conductance, and is determined by the difference in ground-state energies on addition of a single electron to the quantum dot. In the quantum regime of resonant tunneling (kT≪ΔE), a fine structure is predicted to develop on the oscillations. Unlike the Coulomb-blockade oscillations, the periodicity of the fine structure is determined by the excitation spectrum at a constant number of electrons on the quantum dot.

  • Received 15 April 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.46.9667

©1992 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

C. W. J. Beenakker

  • Instituut-Lorentz, University of Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

A. A. M. Staring

  • Philips Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 80000, 5600 JA Eindhoven, The Netherlands

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Issue

Vol. 46, Iss. 15 — 15 October 1992

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