Numerical Simulation of Non-Equilibrium Stationary Currents Through Nano-scale One-Dimensional Chains

Abstract

Using a method based on the time-evolution of the occupied states at zero temperature, we observe the onset of a quasi-uniform and quasisteady state current across a disordered tight-binding chain, coupled between two finite (but large) clean leads with open boundaries. This current is seen to match the one obtained in the Landauer-Büttiker formalism and is also independent of the initial condition considered (partitioned or non-partitioned). Finite-size effects are also reported and briefly discussed.