Resonant tunneling through linear arrays of quantum dots

We theoretically investigate resonant tunneling through a linear array of q uantum dots with subsequent tunnel coupling. We consider two limiting cases : (i) the strong Coulomb blockade, where only one extra electron can be pre sent in the array; (ii) the limit of almost noninteracting electrons. We de velop a density-matrix description that incorporates the coupling of the do ts to reservoirs. We analyze in detail the dependence of the stationary cur rent on the electron energies, tunnel matrix elements and rates, and on the number of dots. We describe interaction and localization effects on the re sonant current. We analyze the applicability of the approximation of indepe ndent conduction channels. We find that this approximation is not valid whe n at least one of the tunnel rates to the leads is comparable to the energy splitting of the states in the array. In this case the interference of con duction processes through different channels suppresses the current. [S0163 -1829(99)04040-0].