Electronic properties of quantum dots formed by magnetic double barriers in quantum wires

Abstract

The transport through a quantum wire exposed to two magnetic spikes in series is modeled. We demonstrate that quantum dots can be formed this way which couple to the leads via magnetic barriers. Conceptually, all quantum dot states are accessible by transport experiments. The simulations show Breit-Wigner resonances in the closed regime, while Fano resonances appear as soon as one open transmission channel is present. The system allows one to tune the dot's confinement potential from subparabolic to superparabolic by experimentally accessible parameters. © 2011 American Physical Society.