We develop analytical tools and numerical methods for time evolving the total density matrix of the finite-size Anderson model. The model is composed of two finite metal grains, each prepared in canonical states of differing chemical potential and connected through a single electronic level (quantum dot or impurity). Coulomb interactions are either excluded all together or allowed on the dot only. We extend this basic model to emulate decohering and inelastic scattering processes for the dot electrons with the probe technique. Three methods, originally developed to treat impurity dynamics, are augmented to yield global system dynamics: the quantum Langevin equation method, the well-known fermionic trace formula and an iterative path integral approach. The latter accommodates interactions on the dot in a numerically exact fashion. We apply the developed techniques to two open topics in nonequilibrium many-body physics. (i) We explore the role of many-body electron–electron repulsion effects on the dynamics of the system. Results, obtained using exact path integral simulations, are compared with mean-field quantum Langevin equation predictions. (ii) We analyze aspects of quantum equilibration and thermalization in large quantum systems using the probe technique, mimicking elastic-dephasing effects and inelastic interactions on the dot. Here, unitary simulations based on the fermionic trace formula are accompanied by quantum Langevin equation calculations.We develop analytical tools and numerical methods for time evolving the total density matrix of the finite-size Anderson model. The model is composed of two finite metal grains, each prepared in canonical states of differing chemical potential and connected through a single electronic level (quantum dot or impurity). Coulomb interactions are either excluded all together or allowed on the dot only. We extend this basic model to emulate decohering and inelastic scattering processes for the dot electrons with the probe technique. Three methods, originally developed to treat impurity dynamics, are augmented to yield global system dynamics: the quantum Langevin equation method, the well-known fermionic trace formula and an iterative path integral approach. The latter accommodates interactions on the dot in a numerically exact fashion. We apply the developed techniques to two open topics in nonequilibrium many-body physics. (i) We explore the role of many-body electron–electron repulsion effects on the dynamics of the system. Results, obtained using exact path integral simulations, are compared with mean-field quantum Langevin equation predictions. (ii) We analyze aspects of quantum equilibration and thermalization in large quantum systems using the probe technique, mimicking elastic-dephasing effects and inelastic interactions on the dot. Here, unitary simulations based on the fermionic trace formula are accompanied by quantum Langevin equation calculations.

arXiv:1208.5725New Journal of PhysicsJan 9, 201314 citations

Path integral approach to multidimensional quantum tunnelling

A. B. Balantekin

Annals of PhysicsMar 1, 19850 citations

Real-time effective-action approach to the Anderson quantum dot

Dénes Sexty, Thomas Gasenzer, Jan Martin Pawlowski

The nonequilibrium time evolution of an Anderson quantum dot is investigated. The quantum dot is coupled between two leads forming a chemical-potential gradient. We use Kadanoff-Baym dynamic equations within a nonperturbative resummation of the $s$ -channel bubble chains. The effect of the resummation leads to the introduction of a frequency-dependent four-point vertex. The tunneling to the leads is taken into account exactly. The method allows the determination of the transient as well as stationary transport through the quantum dot, and results are compared with different schemes discussed in the literature (functional renormalization group, iterative real-time summation of the path integral, time-dependent matrix renormalization group, and quantum Monte Carlo methods).The nonequilibrium time evolution of an Anderson quantum dot is investigated. The quantum dot is coupled between two leads forming a chemical-potential gradient. We use Kadanoff-Baym dynamic equations within a nonperturbative resummation of the $s$-channel bubble chains. The effect of the resummation leads to the introduction of a frequency-dependent four-point vertex. The tunneling to the leads is taken into account exactly. The method allows the determination of the transient as well as stationary transport through the quantum dot, and results are compared with different schemes discussed in the literature (functional renormalization group, iterative real-time summation of the path integral, time-dependent matrix renormalization group, and quantum Monte Carlo methods).

arXiv:1012.4293Physical Review BApr 22, 20117 citations

Path integral approach to multidimensional quantum tunnelling

A. B. Balantekin, N. Takigawa

Annals of PhysicsApr 1, 198556 citations

Path integral approach to tunneling and self-trapping

Annals of PhysicsJan 1, 19890 citations

s

-channel bubble chains. The effect of the resummation leads to the introduction of a frequency-dependent four-point vertex. The tunneling to the leads is taken into account exactly. The method allows the determination of the transient as well as stationary transport through the quantum dot, and results are compared with different schemes discussed in the literature (functional renormalization group, iterative real-time summation of the path integral, time-dependent matrix renormalization group, and quantum Monte Carlo methods).