Laterally coupled jellium-like two-dimensional quantum dots

Many studies have been performed to describe quantum dots using a parabolic confining potential. However, infinite potentials are unphysical and lead to problems when describing laterally coupled quantum dots. We propose the use of the parabolic potential of a homogeneous density distribution within a 2D jellium, with the Coulombic potential outside that jellium. The electronic structure for such quantum dots is calculated using a wavelet-based electronic structure code, developed for this purpose. The potential is compared with its limits for infinitely small and infinitely large radii of the jellium, i.e. a 2D atom and a pure parabolic potential respectively. Finally, two such laterally coupled quantum dots are studied.