NONLINEAR TRANSPORT IN BALLISTIC QUANTUM CHAINS

We present a theory of the nonlinear transport properties of quantum chains (QC), i.e., of ballistic one-dimensional arrays of quantum dots. We predict that, at finite applied voltages, nonlinearities should cause a doubling of the resonant differential conductance features found in the linear-response regime. As the voltage is increased, strong electronic transmission and reflection due to the QC miniband structure result in highly nonlinear I-V characteristics and negative differential conductance. © 1990 The American Physical Society.