Changing the Electronic Spectrum of a Quantum Dot by Adding Electrons

The temperature dependence of Coulomb blockade peak height correlation is used to investigate how adding electrons to a quantum dot alters or “scrambles” its electronic spectrum. Deviations from finite-temperature random matrix theory with an unchanging spectrum indicate spectral scrambling after a small number of electrons are added. Enhanced peak-to-peak correlations at low temperature are observed. Peak height statistics show similar behavior in several dot configurations despite significant differences in correlations.