Topological spin textures in strongly interacting quantum dots

We present results of configuration-interaction calculations on two-dimensional quantum dots confining charges with long-range Coulomb repulsion. We focus on correlation-induced spin textures formed at zero magnetic field. By looking at chiral structures, at two- and three-point spin-correlation functions, and at explicit symmetry-breaking fields, a consistent picture emerges of incipient topological spin textures formed throughout the dot and particularly at annular regions of increased electron density. In addition to singular vortex-type structures, 2$\pi$-windings are observed in the spin field along these annular regions. These textures are solely due to statistics and repulsion.