Pauli Spin Blockade in the Presence of Strong Spin-Orbit Coupling

We study electron transport in a double quantum dot in the Pauli spin blockade regime, in the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling. The effect of spin-orbit coupling is incorporated into a modified interdot tunnel coupling. We elucidate the role of the external magnetic field, the nuclear fields in the dots, and spin relaxation. We find qualitative agreement with experimental observations, and we propose a way to extend the range of magnetic fields in which blockade can be observed.