Kinetics of a quasi-one-dimensional electron gas in a transverse magnetic field. I. Arrays of quantum wires

The quantum kinetic equation for the one-electron distribution function is derived for an array of quantum wires in the presence of a magnetic field perpendicular or parallel to the plane of the wires. Screening is treated dynamically in the random-phase approximation. The results are valid for array periods large enough that tunneling between the wires can be neglected. The energy and momentum relaxation frequencies are evaluated when only the lowest level is occupied for scattering by three- or two-dimensional impurities and by acoustical phonons.