The interplay between quantum mechanical interference and electron-electron interactions is one of the great themes of condensed matter physics. Recently, this topic has arisen in the context of nanostructures – quantum dots, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, single conducting molecules, etc. I will introduce the general issue of interference and interaction in nanostructures, and then illustrate by choosing two topics from among several possible examples: (1) the ground state spin of quantum dots – toward strong interactions, (2) mesoscopic fluctuations of the Kondo effect, (3) coupling between the spatial interference and spin direction in ferromagnetic nanoparticles, and (4) conduction through single organometallic molecules.

Duke University