Quantum coherence in quantum dot - Aharonov-Bohm ring hybrid systems

We investigate coherent transport through hybrid systems of quantum dots and Aharonov-Bohm (AB) rings. Strong coherence over the entire system leads to the Fano effect, which originates from the interference and the phase shift caused by the discrete states in the dots. The high controllability of the system parameters reveals that the Fano effect in mesoscopic transport can be a powerful tool for detecting the phase shift of electrons. We apply it to detect electrostatic phase modulation and the phase shift in a quantum wire with a side-coupled dot. Finally, we provide an experimental answer to the problem of "neighboring in-phase Coulomb peaks". (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.