Electron Transport in Quantum Wires

The electronic transport properties of quantum wires in the presence of short-range correlations described within the Luttinger liquid model are studied. The non-linear current-voltage characteristic of two potential barriers that form a quantum dot are calculated. Electron spin is taken into account. An inhomogeneity induced by a non-uniform electron interaction is considered. The non-analytic temperature behavior of the peaks in the linear conductance reflects the electron correlations. It shows a crossover determined by the different energy scales associated with the quantum dot and the inhomogeneity. The non-linear transport spectra are dominated by an interplay between spin and charge dynamics. Spin polarization of the current is investigated. Strong spin polarization effects are observed in the presence of a magnetic field localized near the quantum dot. They can be externally controlled by varying gate and bias voltages. Complete polarization is shown to be stable against electron correlations. When spin polarization is not complete it is power-law enhanced by non-Fermi liquid effect s.