Monte Carlo study of transport in low-dimensional quantum disorder systems at finite temperature

Abstract

Using the quantum generalized Langevin equation and the path integral Monte Carlo approach, we study the transport dynamics of low-dimensional quantum disorder systems at finite temperature. Motivated by the nature of the classical-to-quantum transformation in fluctuations in the time domain, we extend the treatment to the spatial domain and propose a quantum random-correlated potential, describing specifically quantum disorder. For understanding the Anderson localization from the particle transport perspective, we present an intuitive treatment using a classical analogy in which the particle moves through a flat periodic crystal lattice corrugated by classical or quantum disorder. We emphasize an effective classical disorder potential in studying the quantum effects on the transport dynamics. Compared with the classical case, we find that the quantum escape rate from a disordered metastable potential is larger. Moreover, the diffusion enhancement of a quantum system moving in a weak, biased, periodic disorder potential is more significant compared with the classical case; for an effective rock-ratcheted disorder potential, quantum effects increase the directed current with decreasing temperature. For the classical case, we explore surface diffusion on a two-dimensional biased disorder potential at finite temperature; surprisingly, the optimal angle of the external bias force is found to enhance diffusion in the biased disorder surface. Furthermore, to explain the quantum transport dynamics in a disorder potential, we adopt the barrier-crossing mechanism and the mean first passage time theory to establish the probability distribution function.