Tunable 0.7 conductance plateau in quantum dots

Abstract

A consistent approach in forming the 0.7 structure by using a quantum dot rather than a quantum point contact is demonstrated. With this scheme, it was possible to tune on and off the 0.7 structure. The 0.7 structure continuously evolved into a normal integer conductance plateau by varying the tuning condition. Unlike the conventional 0.7 plateau, the new 0.7 structure was observed even at low electron temperatures down to $100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$, with unprecedented flatness. From our results, it is concluded that electron interference should be taken into consideration to explain the 0.7 structure.