Basic Cells Special Features and Their Influence on Global Transport Properties of Long Periodic Structures

Area of Science:

• Quantum mechanics
• Condensed matter physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Quantum transport describes particle behavior in materials.
• Periodic arrays and localized potentials are key in understanding electronic properties.
• Investigating how local potential features affect global transport is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore quantum transport in long periodic arrays with specific localized potentials.
• To determine conditions under which local potential characteristics influence overall tunneling behavior.
• To analyze the impact of asymmetric potentials on energy bands and transmission.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Pöschl-Teller and Gaussian potentials as building blocks.
• Employed potential slicing for approximating Gaussian potentials.
• Applied a recently derived method for scattering in N-unit lattices.
• Analyzed reflection and transmission coefficients.

Main Results:

• Near-resonance energies of isolated potentials impact energy bands in large, asymmetric arrays.
• Asymmetric cells create narrow openings (defects) in conduction quasi-bands.
• Specific Pöschl-Teller potentials yield 100% transmission.
• Arrays near these conditions exhibit 'reflection comb' behavior for large N.

Conclusions:

• Anomalous transport in finite, long lattices can stem from singular aspects of localized potentials.
• Asymmetric cell potentials play a critical role in modifying energy band structures and transmission properties.
• The findings offer insights into designing materials with tailored quantum transport characteristics.