Nonmonotonic buildup of spin-singlet correlations in a double quantum dot

Abstract

Dynamical buildup of spin-singlet correlations between the two quantum dots is investigated by means of the time-dependent numerical renormalization group method. By calculating the timeevolution of the spin-spin expectation value upon a quench in the hopping between the quantum dots, we examine the time scales associated with the development of an entangled spin-singlet state in the system. Interestingly, we find that in short time scales the effective exchange interaction between the quantum dots is of ferromagnetic type, favoring spin-triplet correlations, as opposite to the long time limit, when strong antiferromagnetic correlations develop and eventually an entangled spin-singlet state is formed between the dots. We also numerically determine the relevant time scales and show that the physics is generally governed by the interplay between the Kondo correlations on each dot and exchange interaction between the spins of both quantum dots.