Memory effects in transport theory: An exact model
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1987
Abstract
We consider the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through a medium consisting of noninteracting harmonically bound electrons in a blackbody-radiation heat bath. An exact result for the ac conductivity is obtained, which differs from the well-known Drude-Lorentz result by the presence of memory (non-Markovian) effects. In particular, the absorption line is considerably changed in shape, especially away from resonance. Our approachwhich is based on the use of a generalized quantum Langevin equationtranscends the particular model discussed as it enables the conductivity to be calculated directly, in contrast to Kubo-type calculations which require the evaluation of correlation functions as an intermediate step. Furthermore, the model itself should prove useful as a testing ground for the various quantum theories of conductivity which are presently being explored for possible use in studies of submicron semiconductor devices. © 1987 The American Physical Society.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Physical Review A
First Page
1466
Last Page
1468
Recommended Citation
Ford, G., Lewis, J., & Oconnell, R. (1987). Memory effects in transport theory: An exact model. Physical Review A, 36 (3), 1466-1468. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.36.1466