Memory effects in adiabatic quantum pumping with parasitic nonlinear dynamics

TL;DR

This paper investigates how nonlinear classical variables influence adiabatic quantum pumping, revealing hysteretic behaviors that enable potential memory device applications, supported by theoretical analysis and experimental considerations.

Contribution

It introduces a model of quantum pumping with nonlinear classical dynamics, demonstrating hysteresis and memory effects in the pumped current.

Findings

Hysteretic behavior observed in pumped current due to nonlinearity

Proposed quantum pump design as a memory device

Discussion of experimental implementation possibilities

Abstract

The charge current adiabatically pumped through a mesoscopic region coupled to a classical variable obeying a nonlinear dynamics is studied within the scattering matrix approach. Due to the nonlinearity in the dynamics of the variable, a hysteretic behavior of the pumping current can be observed for specific characteristics of the pumping cycle. The steps needed to build a quantum pump working as a memory device are discussed together with a possible experimental implementation.