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Updated: May 23, 2026

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Published on: December 4, 2017
Nonequilibrium mesoscopic transport: a genealogy.
Mukunda P Das1, Frederick Green
1Department of Theoretical Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. mukunda.das@anu.edu.au
Quantum transport models are essential for modern electronics. Microscopic conservation and nonequilibrium dissipation principles are key for understanding quantum transport in mesoscopic and nanoscopic systems.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Traditional models of electronic devices relied on simplifications like coarse graining and bulk self-averaging.
- These simplifications are insufficient for understanding mesoscopic and nanoscopic systems operating in the quantum regime.
- Quantum transport phenomena are fundamental to the behavior of modern electronic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental principles of microscopic conservation and nonequilibrium dissipation in quantum transport.
- To explore the theoretical context and origins of these principles.
- To highlight their governing role in the electronic response of meso- and nanoscopic systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical frameworks for quantum transport.
- Analysis of fundamental principles governing electronic response.
- Discussion of experimental implications at atomic scales.
Main Results:
- Microscopic conservation and nonequilibrium dissipation are unifying principles in quantum transport.
- These principles become increasingly significant at mesoscopic and nanoscopic dimensions.
- Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for designing small-scale electronic technology.
Conclusions:
- Quantum transport principles are essential for understanding modern electronic devices.
- The study emphasizes the critical role of conservation and dissipation in quantum systems.
- These insights guide the development of next-generation atomic-scale electronics.
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