Mode-resolved transmission functions: an individual Caroli formula.

Area of Science:

• Nanoscale energy transport
• Quasiparticle dynamics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Efficient energy manipulation at the nanoscale is vital for computing, energy harvesting, and thermal management.
• Controlling quasiparticle currents is key to technological progress in these fields.
• Existing methods for calculating transmission functions can yield unphysical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel and physically consistent method for computing polarization-resolved transmission functions.
• To address and correct unphysical behaviors observed in previous formulations.
• To provide a reliable framework for understanding and controlling energy transport across interfaces.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel approach for computing polarization-resolved transmission functions.
• Critically analyzed and compared alternative decompositions of the transmission function.
• Validated the method using a simple model system for phonon and electron transport.

Main Results:

• The new method consistently yields physically meaningful results, unlike prior formulations.
• Demonstrated a unique and unambiguous route to physically valid transmission functions.
• The individual Caroli formula accurately captures polarization-specific transmission properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a more accurate understanding of phonon and electron transport.
• This work provides a foundation for optimizing thermoelectric devices and energy-efficient computing.
• The Caroli formula's general applicability extends to various quasiparticles and internal degrees of freedom.