Negative Differential Resistance Probe for Interdot Interactions in a Double Quantum Dot Array.

Colloidal quantum dots are free-standing nanostructures with chemically tunable electronic properties. In this work, we consider a new STM tip-double quantum dot (DQD)-surface setup with a unique connectivity, in which the tip is coupled to a single dot and the coupling to the surface is shared by both dots. Our theoretical analysis reveals a unique negative differential resistance (NDR) effect attributed to destructive interference during charge transfer from the DQD to the surface. This NDR can be used as a sensitive probe for interdot interactions in DQD arrays.