Non-ergodicity effects in 1D localization

Abstract

It is well-known that the dimensionless Landauer resistance \rho of an 1D disordered system obeys the log-normal distribution. The average value <\rho> for such distribution is not representative, since it strongly differs from the typical value \rho_{typ} in a specific sample. In fact, this conclusion should be revised due to effects of non-ergodicity. If L is the system size, and $K$ is the number of realizations of a random potential, then a situation for L\to\infty, K\to \infty depends on the order of limiting transitions. If the limit K\to \infty is taken firstly, then the log-normal distribution is valid for all L, if the condition \rho>>1 is fulfilled. If the number of realizations K is restricted, then a situation for L\to \infty is effectively described by the delta-function distribution, and <\rho>\approx\rho_{typ}$. Transformation of the log-normal distribution can be observed with the use of experimental technique developed in the context of the universal conductance fluctuations. Non-ergodicity effects are essential for understanding of the difference between the theoretical predictions for the parameters of the log-normal distribution and the results of numerical and physical experiments.