Hundʹs first rule and addition energy spectra of cylindrical quantum dots

We discuss various spin sequences occurring during the charging of realistic vertical quantum dots with emphasis on three-dimensional (3D) effects. Our analysis is based on a combined theoretical—3D density functional model—experimental approach. In the third shell, a clear dip at N=7 electrons followed by a peak at N=8 or 9 is the signature of maximum spin alignment at half-shell filling.