Transport through two-level quantum dots weakly coupled to ferromagnetic leads

Spin-dependent transport through a two-level quantum dot in the sequential tunnelling regime is analysed theoretically by means of a real-time diagrammatic technique. It is shown that the current, tunnel magnetoresistance, and shot noise (Fano factor) strongly depend on the transport regime, providing detailed information on the electronic structure of quantum dots and their coupling to external leads. When the dot is asymmetrically coupled to the leads, a negative differential conductance may occur in certain bias regions, which is associated with a super-Poissonian shot noise. In the case of a quantum dot coupled to one half-metallic and one nonmagnetic lead, one finds characteristic Pauli spin blockade effects. Transport may also be suppressed when the dot levels are coupled to the leads with different coupling strengths. The influence of an external magnetic field on transport properties is also discussed.