Abstract
A microscopic theory for conductance oscillations of electron tunneling through a quantum dot occupied by electrons with a strong Coulomb interaction is proposed. It is found that the conductance oscillations are approximately periodic only for a large number of electrons (≿30). A "shell" structure in the oscillations for a small number of electrons is predicted. In addition, a pair structure reflected by even-and odd-occupation numbers is revealed in peak heights and linewidths as well as separations between adjacent peaks of the oscillations. Peak height and linewidth increase with increasing chemical potential. These predictions are in agreement with experimental measurements.
- Received 2 February 1994
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.73.585
©1994 American Physical Society
