Spin-orbit coupling effects on thermoelectric transport properties in quantum dots

We study the effects caused by Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling over the thermoelectric transport properties of a single-electron transistor, viz., a quantum dot connected to one-dimensional leads. Using linear response theory and employing the numerical renormalization group method, we calculate the thermopower, electrical and thermal conductances, dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit, and study the WiedemannFranz law, showing their temperature maps. In the Kondo regime, the effect of spin-orbit coupling on those properties appears as a downward renormalization of the Kondo scale. We show that the thermoelectric transport properties, in the presence of spin-orbit coupling, obey the expected universality of the Kondo strong coupling fixed point. In addition, our results show a notable increase in the thermoelectric figure of merit, caused by the spin-orbit coupling in the one-dimensional quantum dot leads. We also provide simulations of the thermocurrent through a quantum dot in good agreement with experimental results.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling on the thermoelectric transport properties of a single-electron transistor connected to one-dimensional leads. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the thermoelectric figure of merit caused by spin-orbit coupling in the one-dimensional quantum dot leads.