We present a mean field approach for an array of InAs quantum dots emb
edded in a capacitor. By assuming a thermodynamical equilibrium betwee
n the dots and the closer electrode, we derive the self-consistent equ
ations for the mean dot occupation. The latter includes the Coulomb bl
ockade for isolated dots and the capacitor feedback to the filling of
the dots. By this means, we calculate the capacitance versus bias and
obtain a satisfactory agreement with recent experimental findings. We
succesfully interpret the increase of the splitting and the widths of
the first two (S related) capacitance peaks with the capacitor thickne
ss. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.