arXiv subjects

Huanan Li

Publications and source records attributed to Huanan Li.

41 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Nonequilibrium Green's function method for quantum thermal transport

This review deals with the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method applied to the problems of energy transport due to atomic vibrations (phonons), primarily for small junction systems. We present a pedagogical introduction to the subject, deriving some of the well-known results such as the Laudauer-like formula for heat current in ballistic systems. The main aim of the review is to build the machinery of the method so that it can be applied to other situations, which are not directly treated here. In addition to the above, we consider a number of applications of NEGF, not in routine model system calculations, but in a few new aspects showing the power and usefulness of the formalism. In particular, we discuss the problems of multiple leads, coupled left-right-lead system, and system without a center. We also apply the method to the problem of full counting statistics. In the case of nonlinear systems, we make general comments on the thermal expansion effect, phonon relaxation time, and a certain class of mean-field approximations. Lastly, we examine the relationship between NEGF, reduced density matrix, and master equation approaches to thermal transport.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Role of the on-site pinning potential in establishing quasi-steady-state conditions of heat transport in finite quantum systems

We study the transport of energy in a finite linear harmonic chain by solving the Heisenberg equation of motion, as well as by using nonequilibrium Green's functions to verify our results. The initial state of the system consists of two separate and finite linear chains that are in their respective equilibriums at different temperatures. The chains are then abruptly attached to form a composite chain. The time evolution of the current from just after switch-on to the transient regime and then to later times is determined numerically. We expect the current to approach a steady-state value at later times. Surprisingly, this is possible only if a nonzero quadratic on-site pinning potential is applied to each particle in the chain. If there is no on-site potential a recurrent phenomenon appears when the time scale is longer than the traveling time of sound to make a round trip from the midpoint to a chain edge and then back. Analytic expressions for the transient and steady-state currents are derived to further elucidate the role of the on-site potential.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2012

Cumulant generating function formula of heat transfer in ballistic system with lead-lead coupling

Based on two-time observation protocol, we consider heat transfer in a given time interval $t_{M}$ in lead-junction-lead system taking coupling between the leads into account. In view of the two-time observation, consistency conditions are carefully verified in our specific family of quantum histories. Furthermore, its implication is briefly explored. Then using nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method, we obtain an exact formula for the cumulant generating function for heat transfer between the two leads valid in both transient and steady-state regimes. Also, a compact formula for the cumulant generating function in the long-time limit is derived, for which the Gallavotti-Cohen (GC) fluctuation symmetry is explicitly verified. In addition, a brief discussion of Di Ventra's trick regarding whether the effect of the repartitioning procedure of the total Hamiltonian on nonequilibium steady-state current fluctuation exists is given. All kinds of properties of nonequilibrium current fluctuations such as the fluctuation theorem in different time regimes could be readily given according to these exact formulas.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2012

A generalized Caroli formula for transmission coefficient with lead-lead coupling

We present a generalized transmission coefficient formula for the lead-junction-lead system, in which interaction between the leads has been taken into account. Based on it the Caroli formula could be easily recovered and a transmission coefficient formula for interface problem in the ballistic system can be obtained. The condition of validity for the formula is carefully explored. We mainly focus on heat transport. However, the corresponding electrical transport could be similarly dealt with. Also, an illustrative example is given to clarify the precise meaning of the quantities used in the formula, such as the concept of the reduced interacting matrix in different situations. In addition, an explicit transmission coefficient formula for a general one-dimensional interface setup is obtained based on the derived interface formula.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Transient behavior of full counting statistics in thermal transport

The generating function of energy counting statistics is derived for phononic junction systems. It is expressed in terms of the contour-ordered self-energy of the lead with shifted arguments, $Σ^A(τ, τ') = Σ_L\bigl(τ+\hbar x(τ), τ' + \hbar x(τ')\bigr) - Σ_L(τ, τ')$, where $Σ_L(τ,τ')$ is the usual contour-ordered self-energy of the left lead. The cumulants of the energy transferred in a given time $t_M$ from the lead to the center is obtained by taking derivatives. A transient result of the first four cumulants of a graphene junction is presented. It is found that measurements cause the energy to flow into the lead.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗