Description of a Many-Electron Quantum Dot with the Inclusion of the Spin—Orbit Interaction

Abstract

In this chapter we shall present an analytical theory given by Jacak et al. [70], which is based on the Hartree-Fock approximation and describes a quantum dot that contains many electrons. The limitation of a large number of electrons (a few tens) results from the perturbational character of the calculation. However, it allows for the inclusion of the Hartree-Fock interaction with a controlled accuracy. In addition, the spin-orbit interaction is taken into account, which seems to explain many subtle characteristics that are measured for various dots. It should be added that the effects due to the spin-orbit interaction become more significant for larger numbers of electrons in a quantum dot. Its role in this artificial atom, which is squeezed in the plane, is even more important than in the case of ordinary, three-dimensional atoms.