Non-linear conductivity and quantum interference in disordered metals

TL;DR

This paper uncovers a new non-linear conductivity effect in disordered metals caused by electric field-induced dephasing, offering insights into quantum interference and metal-insulator transition mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a microscopic model explaining how electric fields cause dephasing and non-linear conductivity in disordered conductors, linking quantum interference to the metal-insulator transition.

Findings

Electric field induces dephasing in disordered conductors.

Non-linear conductivity depends on a field-dependent temperature scale T_E.

Magnetic field influences the non-linear conductivity, suggesting experimental tests.

Abstract

We report on a novel non-linear electric field effect in the conductivity of disordered conductors. We find that an electric field gives rise to dephasing in the particle-hole channel, which depresses the interference effects due to disorder and interaction and leads to a non-linear conductivity. This non-linear effect introduces a field dependent temperature scale $T_E$ and provides a microscopic mechanism for electric field scaling at the metal-insulator transition. We also study the magnetic field dependence of the non-linear conductivity and suggest possible ways to experimentally verify our predictions. These effects offer a new probe to test the role of quantum interference at the metal-insulator transition in disordered conductors.