Localization in artificial disorder: two coupled quantum dots

Abstract

Using single electron capacitance spectroscopy, we study electron additions in quantum dots containing two potential minima separated by a shallow barrier. Analysis of the addition spectra in the magnetic field allows us to distinguish between electrons delocalized over the entire dot and those localized in either of the potential minima. We demonstrate that a high magnetic field abruptly splits up a low-density droplet into two smaller fragments, each residing in a potential minimum. An unexplained cancellation of electron repulsion between electrons in these fragments gives rise to paired electron additions.