Quantum pump effect in a four-terminal mesoscopic structure

Abstract

Quantum pump effect in a four-terminal mesoscopic structure constructed from a homogeneous two-dimensional electron gas is investigated. Oscillating electric potentials are applied to the two opposite terminals of the four-terminal mesoscopic structure. In both the remaining two opposite terminals and in the central region there are constant potentials that do not change with time. The oscillating potentials change slowly in comparison with all of the internal time scales of the structure and the amplitude of the oscillating potentials is small in comparison with the Fermi energy. The current of each lead and the transmission coefficients from one lead to another are calculated by using the non-equilibrium Green's function approach under the adiabatic approximation. In the remaining two opposite terminals of the four-terminal structure, the quantum pump effect can produce an electric current whose magnitude and direction depends on the Fermi energy. The pumped currents are ascribed to the asymmetry of transmission coefficients with respect to the Fermi energy.