Separability and dynamical symmetry of Quantum Dots

•The separability of Quantum Dots is derived from that of the perturbed Kepler problem.•Harmonic perturbation with 2:1 anisotropy is separable in parabolic coordinates.•The system has a conserved Runge–Lenz type quantity.

The separability and Runge–Lenz-type dynamical symmetry of the internal dynamics of certain two-electron Quantum Dots, found by Simonović et al. (2003), are traced back to that of the perturbed Kepler problem. A large class of axially symmetric perturbing potentials which allow for separation in parabolic coordinates can easily be found. Apart from the 2:1 anisotropic harmonic trapping potential considered in Simonović and Nazmitdinov (2013), they include a constant electric field parallel to the magnetic field (Stark effect), the ring-shaped Hartmann potential, etc. The harmonic case is studied in detail.