Quantum Transport

This 2005 book presents a unique approach to the fundamentals of quantum transport, and is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students. Some of the most advanced concepts of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics are included and yet no prior acquaintance with quantum mechanics is assumed. Chapter 1 provides a description of quantum transport in elementary terms accessible to a beginner. The book then works its way from the hydrogen atom to nanostructures ending with a unified model for quantum transport along with illustrative examples showing how conductors evolve from the atomic to the ohmic regime (or from 'atom to transistor') as they get larger. Many numerical examples are used to provide concrete illustrations and the corresponding MATLAB codes are provided in the book. These codes, along with videostreamed lectures by the author, keyed to specific sections of the book, are available at the webpage for the book - under 'resources and solutions'. 'Molecular transport phenomena in junctions is a very 'hot' area, that is best understood in terms of quantum transport phenomena in general. This book, by one of the true leaders in this field, presents and clarifies molecular transport in the context of the larger quantum transport area. The text is lucid, masterful, understandable and unified. The numerical examples and MATLAB codes combine with the discussions to provide a strongly integrated and very readable overview of the field.' Mark Ratner, Northwestern University 'A lucid treatment of what's destined to be the 'next big thing' for electrical engineers - conduction at the atomic scale - eminently suitable for students and professionals alike. The generous use of examples and clarifying remarks, together with the novel approach of sequentially building up transport theory from the 'bottom up' and a genuine flair for effortlessly bringing together salient aspects of physics and engineering makes this a very useful book, indeed.' Steve Laux, IBM, Yorktown Heights '... In recent years, scientists have developed a powerful practical technique based on Green function methods for calculating transport through small open systems. Supriyo Datta is one of its leading exponents and his new textbook makes a valiant and fascinating effort to use the formalism to provide a simple exposition of quantum transport on the atomic scale. ... It is more accessible, more embracing and a much better read than his earlier monograph Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems. It contains excellent examples, good breadth and progressive detail, and is of real value to electronic engineers, physicists, and chemists researching modern interdisciplinary nanoelectronics.' Chemistry WorldForeword; 1. Prologue - electrical resistance: an atomistic view; 2. Schrodinger equation; 3. Self-consistent field; 4. Basis functions; 5. Bandstructure; 6. Subbands; 7. Capacitance; 8. Level broadening; 9. Coherent transport; 10. Non-coherent transport; 11. Atom to transistor; Epilogue; Appendix/Advanced formalism; Selected bibliography; MATLAB codes for text figures.