Solution of electric-field-driven tight-binding lattice coupled to fermion reservoirs

Jong E. Han
Phys. Rev. B 87, 085119 – Published 14 February 2013

Abstract

We study electrons in a tight-binding lattice driven by a dc electric field with their energy dissipated through on-site fermionic thermostats. Due to the translational invariance in the transport direction, the problem can be block diagonalized. We solve this time-dependent quadratic problem and demonstrate that the problem has a well-defined steady state. The steady-state occupation number shows that the Fermi surface shifts at small fields by the drift velocity, in agreement with the Boltzmann transport theory, but it then deviates significantly at high fields due to strong nonlinear effect. Despite the lack of momentum scattering, the conductivity takes the same form as the semiclassical Ohmic expression from the relaxation-time approximation.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 23 October 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.085119

©2013 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jong E. Han

  • Department of Physics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 87, Iss. 8 — 15 February 2013

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×