Electron-electron interactions in square quantum dots - art. no. 165301

We investigate the electronic structure of quasi-two-dimensional square qua ntum dots by using the spin-density functional theory. In the weak interact ing regime, we identify shell fillings due to Hund's rule and calculate the electron-number-dependent addition energies of the dots. To understand the interplay between the kinetic energy and Coulomb energy we examine the gro und-state spin and charge configurations by varying size of the dot. We est imate the existence of the Wigner-molecule-like state at a critical mean di stance parameter r(s)similar to 6a(B)(*).