Mechanically induced current and quantum evaporation from Luttinger liquids

TL;DR

This paper studies how a time-dependent perturbation affects electron transport and energy distribution in a tunnelling junction involving a Luttinger liquid, with implications for carbon nanotube applications.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of the effects of time-dependent perturbations on tunnelling currents and electron distributions in Luttinger liquids, including new insights into harmonic generation and electron injection.

Findings

Time-dependent perturbations generate harmonics in density oscillations.

Electrons can be injected into the lead without applied voltage when using a semiconducting lead.

Results have potential applications in carbon nanotube electronics.

Abstract

We investigate transport through a tunnelling junction between an uncorrelated metallic lead and a Luttinger liquid when the latter is subjected to a time dependent perturbation. The tunnelling current as well as the electron energy distribution function are found to be strongly affected by the perturbation due to generation of harmonics in the density oscillations. Using a semiconducting lead instead of a metallic one results in electrons being injected into the lead even without applied voltage. Some applications to carbon nanotubes are discussed.