Resonance theory for discrete models: Methodology and isolated resonances

Abstract

We here consider open quantum systems defined on discretized space, motivated by experimental and theoretical interest in the electronic conduction through nanoscale devices such as molecular junctions and quantum dots. We particularly focus on effects of resonances on the conductance through the systems. We develop a method of calculating the conductance with the use of Greens function expansion with respect to the eigenstates of the effective Hamiltonian for the open quantum systems. Unlike previous methodologies where one can treat only narrow resonances far from the band edges in a satisfactory manner with a Lorentzian profile, our method provides a novel resonance profile which can be used to describe any isolated resonance in the spectrum even close to the band edges. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.