Time-dependent transport in open systems based on quantum master equations

TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of quantum master equations to model time-dependent electron transport in open nanostructure systems, discussing recent advances, limitations, and future directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical framework and recent progress in applying master equations to quantum transport in open systems.

Findings

Highlights recent progress in quantum transport modeling

Discusses limitations of current master equation approaches

Suggests potential new research directions

Abstract

Electrons in the active region of a nanostructure constitute an open many-body quantum system, interacting with contacts, phonons, and photons. We review the basic premises of the open system theory, focusing on the common approximations that lead to Markovian and non-Markovian master equations for the reduced statistical operator. We highlight recent progress on the use of master equations in quantum transport, and discuss the limitations and potential new directions of this approach.