Non-Equilibrium Electron Transport in Two-Dimensional Nano-Structures Modeled by Green's Functions and the Finite-Element Method

Abstract

We use the effective-mass approximation and the density-functional theory with the local-density approximation for modeling two-dimensional nano-structures connected phase-coherently to two infinite leads. Using the non-equilibrium Green's function method the electron density and the current are calculated under a bias voltage. The problem of solving for the Green's functions numerically is formulated using the finite-element method (FEM). The Green's functions have non-reflecting open boundary conditions to take care of the infinite size of the system. We show how these boundary conditions are formulated in the FEM. The scheme is tested by calculating transmission probabilities for simple model potentials. The potential of the scheme is demonstrated by determining non-linear current-voltage behaviors of resonant tunneling structures.

13 pages,15 figures

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• Spin dependent electron transport through a magnetic resonant tunneling diode
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• Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of interacting tunneling transport: variational grand potential, density-functional formulation, and nature of steady-state forces
• Signatures of Quantum Transport Through Two-Dimensional Structures With Correlated and Anti-Correlated Interfaces
• Linear scaling solution of the all-electron Coulomb problem in solids