Readout of quantum screening effects using a time-dependent probe

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that an ac-driven terminal can directly probe quantum screening effects in coherent conductors, revealing how dynamic driving influences thermoelectric responses and enabling experimental observation of these effects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method using a time-dependent probe to read out quantum screening effects in conductors with energy-dependent transmission.

Findings

Screening impacts thermoelectric response coefficients.

Nonlinear effects emerge due to ac-driving frequency.

Effects are observable under realistic experimental conditions.

Abstract

In voltage- and temperature-biased coherent conductors quantum screening effects occur if the conductor's transmission is energy-dependent. Here, we show that an additional ac-driven terminal can act as a probe for a direct readout of such effects, hitherto unexplored. We find that screening of charges induced by the static biases impacts already their standard linear thermoelectric response coefficients due to nonlinear effects when accounting for the frequency of the time-dependent driving. Those effects should be observable under realistic experimental conditions and can literally be switched on and off with the ac-driving.