Abstract
We derive a closed equation of motion for the one particle density matrix of a quantum system coupled to multiple baths using the Redfield master equation combined with a mean-field approximation. The steady-state solution may be found analytically with perturbation theory. Application of the method to a one-dimensional noninteracting quantum wire yields an expression for the current that reproduces the celebrated Landauer's formula. Nonlinear rectification is found for the case of a mesoscopic three-dimensional semiconductor junction. The results are in good agreement with numerical simulations obtained using nonequilibrium Green's functions, supporting the validity of the Redfield equations for the description of transport.
- Received 27 July 2020
- Revised 31 August 2020
- Accepted 2 September 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.102.125147
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