Quantum interference and the time-dependent radiation of nanojunctions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method combining time-dependent Landauer-Büttiker formalism and Maxwell's equations to analyze electromagnetic fields and quantum interference effects in nanojunctions, revealing geometry-dependent control of magnetic fields and radiated power.

Contribution

It develops a novel approach to compute time-dependent electromagnetic fields in nanojunctions and demonstrates how molecular geometry influences radiation and magnetic field control.

Findings

Quantum interference affects magnetic field control near molecules.

Molecular geometry signatures are observable in radiated power.

The formalism enables analysis of electromagnetic response in nanojunctions.

Abstract

Using the recently developed time-dependent Landauer-B\"uttiker formalism and Jefimenko's retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations, we show how to compute the time-dependent electromagnetic field produced by the charge and current densities in nanojunctions out of equilibrium. We then apply this formalism to a benzene ring junction, and show that geometry-dependent quantum interference effects can be used to control the magnetic field in the vicinity of the molecule. Then, treating the molecular junction as a quantum emitter, we demonstrate clear signatures of the local molecular geometry in the non-local radiated power.