Counting statistics in multiple path geometries and the fluctuations of the integrated current in a quantum stirring device

Abstract

The amount $Q$ of particles that are transported via a path of motion is characterized by its expectation value $<Q>$ and by its variance $Var(Q)$. We analyze what happens if a particle has two optional paths available to get from one site to another site, and in particular what is $Var(Q)$ for the current which is induced in a quantum stirring device. It turns out that coherent splitting and the stirring effect are intimately related and cannot be understood within the framework of the prevailing probabilistic theory.

11 pages, 2 figures, published version, Latex Eq# corrected