Floquet scattering theory of quantum pumps

Abstract

We develop the Floquet scattering theory for quantum-mechanical pumping in mesoscopic conductors. The nonequilibrium distribution function, the dc charge, and heat currents are investigated at arbitrary pumping amplitude and frequency. For mesoscopic samples with a discrete spectrum we predict a sign reversal of the pumped current when the pump frequency is equal to the level spacing in the sample. This effect allows us to measure the phase of the transmission coefficient through the mesoscopic sample. We discuss the necessary symmetry conditions (both spatial and temporal) for pumping.