Electron-Phonon interaction and electronic decoherence in molecular conductors

TL;DR

This paper reviews electron-phonon interactions and decoherence in molecular conductors, introducing models to analyze coherent and incoherent transport effects, including polaron formation and interference phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive framework combining decoherence models with quantum interference analysis in molecular electronic transport.

Findings

Decoherence effects can be modeled using the D'Amato-Pastawski approach.

Anti-resonances arise from many-body interference effects.

Phase fluctuations reveal inelastic and decoherence phenomena.

Abstract

We perform a brief but critical review of the Landauer picture of transport that clarifies how decoherence appears in this approach. On this basis, we present different models that allow the study of the coherent and decoherent effects of the interaction with the environment in the electronic transport. These models are particularly well suited for the analysis of transport in molecular wires. The effects of decoherence are described through the D'Amato-Pastawski model that is explained in detail. We also consider the formation of polarons in some models for the electron-vibrational interaction. Our quantum coherent framework allows us to study many-body interference effects. Particular emphasis is given to the occurrence of anti-resonances as a result of these interferences. By studying the phase fluctuations in these soluble models we are able to identify inelastic and decoherence effects. A brief description of a general formulation for the consideration of time-dependent transport is also presented.