Scattering Matrix Theory For Nonlinear Transport

Abstract

We report a scattering matrix theory for dynamic and nonlinear transport in coherent mesoscopic conductors. In general this theory allows predictions of low frequency linear dynamic conductance, as well as weakly nonlinear DC conductance. It satisfies the conditions of gauge invariance and electric current conservation, and can be put into a form suitable for numerical computation. Using this theory we examine the third order weakly nonlinear DC conductance of a tunneling diode.