Reply to arXiv:1212.3831v1 "Comment on: Magnetotransport through graphene spin valves and its following works" by Y. Zhou and M.W. Wu

TL;DR

This paper refutes a recent comment claiming a fundamental transport equation is invalid for extended systems, demonstrating that the proposed correction is based on a misconception and reaffirming the validity of established formulas.

Contribution

The authors clarify that the new formula proposed in the comment is a misconception, reaffirming the correctness of the traditional quantum transport equations for extended systems.

Findings

The proposed correction is mathematically invalid.

Established transport formulas remain consistent and valid.

Adding the suggested energy-momentum dependent function is unnecessary and incorrect.

Abstract

In their comment arXiv:1212.3831v1 Y. Zhou and M.W. Wu claim that the fundamental transport equation relating the current to the transmission function, used by us and in fact by numerous other researchers, is invalid for extended systems and should be corrected. They provide a "correct" new formula for transport in extended systems. This would be indeed a surprising new aspect of quantum transport theory. Here we show mathematically, however, that the new formula is a misconception resulting from adding an energy and momentum dependent function that has to vanish due to fundamental reasons. Results and conclusions stemming from adding this function are irrelevant. The known established formulas for quantum transport are consistent with each others under the well-documented conditions.