Maximum-entropy theory of steady-state quantum transport
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
2007-05-23 v3 Statistical Mechanics
Abstract
We develop a new theoretical framework for describing steady-state quantum transport phenomena, based on the general maximum-entropy principle of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. The general form of the many-body density matrix is derived, which contains the invariant part of the current operator that guarantees the non-equilibrium and steady-state character of the ensemble. Several examples of the theory are given, demonstrating the relationship of the present treatment to the widely-used scattering-states occupation schemes at the level of the self-consistent single-particle approximation.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0301485,
title = {Maximum-entropy theory of steady-state quantum transport},
author = {P. Bokes and R. W. Godby},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0301485},
year = {2007}
}