Published December 1997 | Version v1
Journal article

Inelastic Quantum Transport

  • 1. Theory Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)
  • 2. FMF, University of Ljubljana and J.Stefan Institute, 1000 (Slovenia)

Description

We solve a Schroedinger equation for inelastic quantum transport that retains full quantum coherence, in contrast to previous rate or Boltzmann equation approaches. The model Hamiltonian is the zero temperature 1D Holstein model for an electron coupled to optical phonons (polaron), in a strong electric field. The Hilbert space grows exponentially with electron position, forming a nonstandard Bethe lattice. We calculate nonperturbatively the transport current, electron-phonon correlations, and quantum diffusion. This system is a toy model for the constantly branching open-quotes wave function of the universe.close quotes copyright 1997 The American Physical Society

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
79
Journal Issue
24
Journal Page Range
p. 4874-4877.
ISSN
0031-9007
CODEN
PRLTAO