Quantum-constriction rectifier

Abstract

A simple quantum constriction (wide-narrow geometry) is found to act as a rectifier in the coherent transport regime if Fermi energy is between the propagation thresholds of the wide and narrow parts. Therefore a simple diode could consist of only two identical leads of different widths. The current-voltage characteristics of this structure are calculated for several temperatures and lead widths, and generalized to other cases by appropriate scaling rules. The rectification properties disappear as the temperature or the size of the system increase. This structure also exhibits regions of negative-differential resistance. © 1996 The American Physical Society.