Chapter 9

Continuity Equation for an Embedded System

Robert Englman

Abstract

By a special representation of the number density operator and working with a modulus-phase formalism we obtain the dissipative current, needed to ensure particle number (or charge) conservation in the conducting system coupled to an environment. This generalizes and simplifies previous derivations aimed at the Lindblad type of master equations. In addition to a part depending linearly on the Hamiltonian current, we obtain also a pseudo-curl contribution to the dissipative current.

Total Pages: 184-194 (11)

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