Transport in Single Quantum Dots: A Review from Linear Response to Nonlinear Regimes

TL;DR

This review discusses quantum transport in single quantum dots, covering theoretical methods from linear to nonlinear regimes, recent experimental advances, and open challenges in understanding nonequilibrium phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of both established and emerging theoretical and experimental approaches to quantum dot transport beyond linear response.

Findings

Recent experimental techniques enable exploration of far-from-equilibrium regimes.

New theoretical methods like nonequilibrium Green's functions address complex transport phenomena.

Open problems remain in fully understanding nonequilibrium many-body effects.

Abstract

Quantum dots are versatile systems for exploring quantum transport, electron correlations, and many-body phenomena such as the Kondo effect. While equilibrium properties are well understood through methods like the numerical renormalization group and density matrix renormalization group, nonequilibrium transport remains a major theoretical challenge. From the experimental point of view, recent advances in nanofabrication and measurement techniques have enabled the investigation of far-from-equilibrium regimes. These conditions give rise to new transport phenomena, where strong correlations and nonequilibrium dynamics interplay in complex ways; beyond the reach of conventional linear response theory. To meet these challenges, new approaches such as nonequilibrium Green's functions, real-time NRG, and time-dependent DMRG have emerged. This work reviews the established results for quantum dot transport in and beyond the linear regime, highlights recent theoretical and experimental advances, and discusses open problems and future prospects.