Spin-orbit coupling and tunneling current in a parabolic quantum dot

We propose an approach to explore the signature of the spin-orbit interaction in a quantum dot subjected to a tilted magnetic field. The spin-orbit coupling within the dot manifests itself as an anticrossing of the energy levels as the tilt angle is varied. The anticrossing gap has a nonmonotonic dependence on the magnitude of the magnetic field and exhibits a peak at some finite values of the magnetic field. From the dependence of the tunneling current through the quantum dot on the bias voltage and the tilt angle, the anticrossing gap, and most importantly the spin-orbit coupling strength, can be determined.