title: Phase evolution in a Kondo-correlated system.
abstract: We measured the phase evolution of electrons as they traverse a quantum dot (QD) formed in a two-dimensional electron gas that serves as a localized spin. The traversal phase, determined by embedding the QD in a double path electron interferometer and measuring the quantum interference of the electron wave functions manifested by conductance oscillation as a function of a weak magnetic field, evolved by pi radians, a range twice as large as theoretically predicted. As the correlation weakened, a gradual transition to the familiar phase evolution of a QD was observed. The specific phase evolution observed is highly sensitive to the onset of Kondo correlation, possibly serving as an alternative fingerprint of the Kondo effect.
authors.affiliation: Braun Center for Submicron Research, Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heiblum
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sprinzak
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mahalu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shtrikman