Energy band structure and persistent currents in a finite-width mesoscopic two-electron ring

Abstract

We calculate the energy band structure and the persistent current of two interacting electrons, quantum-confined in a mesoscopic ring of finite width in the ballistic regime. For a narrow-width ring the radial motion is much faster than the relative angular motion, and the rotation of the two electrons is the slowest motion. The interplay between the Coulomb interaction and the confining potential results in a rotating Wigner molecule which has vibrations as internal relative angular motion. It is shown that the maximal value of the persistent current is the same for interacting and non-interacting electrons.