arXiv subjects

Alexander Altland

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander Altland.

114 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv1997

Conductance fluctuations in mesoscopic normal-metal/superconductor samples

We study the magnetoconductance fluctuations of mesoscopic normal-metal/superconductor (NS) samples consisting of a gold-wire in contact with a niobium film. The magnetic field strength is varied over a wide range, including values that are larger than the upper critical field B_c2 of niobium. In agreement with recent theoretical predictions we find that in the NS sample the rms of the conductance fluctuations (CF) is by a factor of 2.8 +/- 0.4 larger than in the high field regime where the entire system is driven normal conducting. Further characteristics of the CF are discussed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv1997

Perturbation Theory for the Rosenzweig-Porter Matrix Model

We study an ensemble of random matrices (the Rosenzweig-Porter model) which, in contrast to the standard Gaussian ensemble, is not invariant under changes of basis. We show that a rather complete understanding of its level correlations can be obtained within the standard framework of diagrammatic perturbation theory. The structure of the perturbation expansion allows for an interpretation of the level structure on simple physical grounds, an aspect that is missing in the exact analysis (T. Guhr, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2258 (1996), T. Guhr and A. Müller-Groeling, cond-mat/9702113).

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv1997

Reply to the Comment by Casati et al. on "Field theory of the quantum kicked rotor" [Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 4536 (1996)]

In a recent comment [cond-mat/9703106] Casati, Izrailev and Sokolov claim that our analysis of the quantum kicked rotor [Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 4536 (1996), chao-dyn/9609014] seems to miss an important aspect, viz. the difference in behavior between rational and irrational values of the parameter T = tau/4pi (tau being the time between kicks). The fact of the matter is that our approach does depend very sensitively on the number theoretical properties of T. In our reply we show how the 'degree of rationality' is related to the topological aspects of our theory and point out the phenomenological consequences of this connection.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv1996

Field theory of the quantum kicked rotor

The quantum kicked rotor is investigated by field theoretical methods. It is shown that the effective theory describing the long wave length physics of the system is precisely the supersymmetric nonlinear sigma-model for quasi one-dimensional metallic wires. This proves that the analogy between chaotic systems with dynamical localization and disordered metals can indeed be exact. The role of symmetries is discussed.

chao-dyn↗

arXiv1996

Random Matrix Theory of a Chaotic Andreev Quantum Dot

A new universality class distinct from the standard Wigner-Dyson ones is identified. This class is realized by putting a metallic quantum dot in contact with a superconductor, while applying a magnetic field so as to make the pairing field effectively vanish on average. A random-matrix description of the spectral and transport properties of such a quantum dot is proposed. The weak-localization correction to the tunnel conductance is nonzero and results from the depletion of the density of states due to the coupling with the superconductor. Semiclassically, the depletion is caused by a a mode of phase-coherent long-range propagation of electrons and holes.

cond-mat↗

arXiv1995

What is the Thouless Energy for Ballistic Systems?

The Thouless energy, $\Ec$ characterizes numerous quantities associated with sensitivity to boundary conditions in diffusive mesoscopic conductors. What happens to these quantities if the disorder strength is decreased and a transition to the ballistic regime takes place? In the present analysis we refute the intuitively plausible assumption that $\Ec$ loses its meaning as an inverse diffusion time through the system at hand, and generally disorder independent scales take over. Instead we find that a variety of (thermodynamic) observables are still characterized by the Thouless energy.

cond-mat↗