Spin-dependent single-hole tunneling in self-assembled silicon quantum rings

We present the first findings of the transmission phase shift π/2 in the 0.7(2e2/h) structure of the quantum staircase and in the Kondo-correlated state revealed by the quantum wire and the strongly coupled quantum dot which are inserted within one of the arms of the Aharonov–Bohm (AB) ring prepared inside self-assembled silicon quantum well of the p-type. The phase shift in the 0.7(2e2/h) structure caused by heavy holes is found to be changed from π/2 to π by electrically-detected NMR of the 29Si nuclei thereby verifying the spin polarisation in a quantum wire.