Effect of magnetic field on spin blockade lifting of weakly coupled quantum dots

We study the electronic transport through a double quantum dot subjected to spin blockade. Experiments of current rectification by Pauli exclusion principle in double quantum dots are reproduced with our model based in the density matrix formalism. Our calculations include a self-consistent description of the electron and nuclei spin dynamics within the double dot which indicates that the current leakage experimentally observed in the spin-blockade region of the current-voltage curve, occurs due to spin-flip processes induced by hyperfine interaction between the electrons and nuclei spins. We show as well how a magnetic field applied to the sample, in the direction of the current, allows excited states to participate in the electronic current and removes spin blockade. (c) 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.