Quantum Theory of Transport Properties of Single Molecules

Book excerpt: The quantum transport theory, which dates back to the time of the Landauer theory in the field of mesoscopic physics, is now expanding its power on materials science and chemistry by earning chemical accuracy and physical reality and has become a new subject of non-equilibrium quantum transport theory for charge and heat at nanoscale. This growing subject invites cross-disciplinary developments, for example, the local heating theory developed earlier was examined and applied to the self-heating problem in the field of semiconductor- and nanoelectronic-device physics. This book compiles 25 key published papers to provide readers with convenient and comprehensive access to the important results and developments in the field. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers from varied backgrounds, especially those involved in charge- and/or heat-transport problems that widely spread over various subjects in materials science, chemistry, electric engineering, and condensed matter physics.