arXiv · cond-mat/0308254
Mesoscopic charging effects in the $σ$-model for granular metals
Abstract
We derive the $σ$-model for granular metals. It is valid for any relation between the temperature, $T$, and the grain mean level spacing. The continuum limit of the $σ$-model describes non-perturbative charging effects in homogeneous disordered metals. The $σ$-model action contains a novel term which is crucial for studying Coulomb blockade effects. Topological properties of the $σ$-model encoding charge discreteness are studied. For $T$ below the escape rate from the grain, $Γ$, Coulomb blockade effects are described by solitons of the $Q$-matrix which are delocalized in real space. At $T> Γ$ the solitons transform into phase instantons localized at a single tunneling contact.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
A. V. Andreev, I. S. Beloborodov. 2003-08-13. Mesoscopic charging effects in the $σ$-model for granular metals. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.69.081406
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.