Scattering Matrix Approach to Non-Stationary Quantum Transport

The aim of this book is to introduce the basic elements of the scattering matrix approach to transport phenomena in dynamical quantum systems of non-interacting electrons. This approach permits a physically clear and transparent description of transport processes in dynamical mesoscopic systems, promising basic elements of solid-state devices for quantum information processing. One of the key effects, the quantum pump effect, is considered in detail. In addition, the theory for the recently implemented new dynamical source injecting electrons with time delay much larger than an electron coherence time is offered. This theory provides a simple description of quantum circuits with such a single-particle source and shows in an unambiguous way that the tunability inherent to the dynamical systems (in contrast to the stationary ones) leads to a number of unexpected but fundamental effects.