Weak localization, Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and decoherence in arrays of quantum dots

Abstract

Combining scattering matrix theory with non-linear $\sigma$-model and Keldysh technique we develop a unified theoretical approach enabling one to non-perturbatively study the effect of electron-electron interactions on weak localization and Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in arbitrary arrays of quantum dots. Our model embraces (i) weakly disordered conductors (ii) strongly disordered conductors and (iii) metallic quantum dots. In all these cases at $T \to 0$ the electron decoherence time is found to saturate to a finite value determined by the universal formula which agrees quantitatively with numerous experimental results. Our analysis provides overwhelming evidence in favor of electron-electron interactions as a universal mechanism for zero temperature electron decoherence in disordered conductors.