Reflection and Transmission Coefficients for Two- and Three-Dimensional Quantum Wires

Abstract

The problem of a quantum wire connected smoothly on both sides to leads of variable cross section is studied. A method for solving this problem in terms of a set of nonlinear first order matrix differential equations for the variable reflection amplitude is discussed. The reflection coefficient obtained in this way is directly related to the conductivity, and is calculated as a function of the energy of the ballistic electrons. This formulation can be applied to three-dimensional as well as two dimensional quantum wires. For two specific cases the reflection coefficient is obtained as a function of the wave number of the incident electron, and the contribution of quantum tunneling to the transmission in each case is demonstrated. Also a model with a dissipative force is introduced and its effect on the transmission of the electrons is investigated.