Memory effects in quantum transport theory of confined electronic systems.

Abstract

The quantum transport of low-dimensional systems of electrons is studied with generalized-Langevin-equation methods. The non-Markovian behavior caused by geometrical confinement and by dissipative mechanisms is analyzed. The ballistic conductance quantization of waveguides is shown to be caused by the long-lived correlations existing in the device. Diffusive boundary scattering is shown to be a general consequence of lateral quantization, and to cause phase-breaking effects when it interacts with elastic scattering centers.