Flat-band ferromagnetism in quantum dot superlattices

The possibility of flat-band ferromagnetism in quantum dot arrays is theoretically discussed. By using a quantum dot as a building block, quantum dot superlattices are possible. We consider dot arrays on Lieb and kagomé lattices known to exhibit flat-band ferromagnetism. By performing an exact diagonalization of the Hubbard Hamiltonian, we calculate the energy difference between the ferromagnetic ground state and the paramagnetic excited state, and discuss the stability of the ferromagnetism against the second-nearest-neighbor transfer. We calculate the dot-size dependence of the energy difference in a dot model and estimate the transition temperature of the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition, which is found to be accessible within the present fabrication technology. We point out advantages of semiconductor ferromagnets and suggest other interesting possibilities of electronic properties in quantum dot superlattices.