Geometry effects at conductance quantization in quantum wires

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the geometry of quantum wire devices influences conductance quantization, highlighting the minimal impact of junction geometry and the significant effect of potential steps, supported by experimental comparisons.

Contribution

It introduces a noninteracting model that emphasizes the role of device geometry and potential steps in conductance quantization in quantum wires.

Findings

Junction geometry has little effect on transmission.

Potential steps significantly affect conduction.

Results align with recent experimental data.

Abstract

The transmission through quantum wires is studied within a noninteracting model taking into account the geometry of cleaved edge overgrowth devices. We show that the junction between wide contact and narrow wire has almost no influence on the transmission through these devices while a potential step between contact and wire strongly effects the conduction. Our results are compared with recent experimental findings.