Limit-Cycles and Chaos in the Current Through a Quantum Dot

Carlos López-Monís, Clive Emary, Gerold Kiesslich, Gloria Platero, Tobias Brandes

Published 2011-04-20, updated 2012-04-11Version 2

We investigate non-linear magneto-transport through a single level quantum dot coupled to ferromagnetic leads, where the electron spin is coupled to a large, external (pseudo)spin via an anisotropic exchange interaction. We find regimes where the average current through the dot displays self-sustained oscillations that reflect the limit-cycles and chaos and map the dependence of this behaviour on magnetic field strength and the tunnel coupling to the external leads.