Canted phase in double quantum dots

Abstract

We perform a Hartree-Fock calculation in order to describe the ground state of a vertical double quantum dot in the absence of magnetic fields parallel to the growth direction. Intra- and interdot exchange interactions determine the singlet or triplet character of the system as the tunneling is tuned. At finite Zeeman splittings due to in-plane magnetic fields, we observe the continuous quantum phase transition from ferromagnetic to symmetric phase through a canted antiferromagnetic state. The latter is obtained even at zero Zeeman energy for an odd electron number.