  Electronic states in silicon quantum dots are examined theoretically, taking
into account a multivalley structure of the conduction band. We find that (i)
exchange interaction hardly works between electrons in different valleys. In
consequence electrons occupy the lowest level in different valleys in the
absence of Hund's coupling when the dot size is less than 10 nm. High-spin
states are easily realized by applying a small magnetic field. (ii) When the
dot size is much larger, the electron-electron interaction becomes relevant in
determining the electronic states. Electrons are accommodated in a valley,
making the highest spin, to gain the exchange energy. (iii) In the presence of
intervalley scattering, degenerate levels in different valleys are split. This
could result in low-spin states. These spin states in multivalley artificial
atoms can be observed by looking at the magnetic-field dependence of peak
positions in the Coulomb oscillation.
