Optimal Control Theory for Time-Dependent Quantum Transport

Abstract

Optical techniques have been employed to coherently control the quantum transport through nanojunctions. Conventional works on optical control of quantum transport usually applied a tailored electrical pulses to perform specific tasks. In this work, an opposite way is employed and a time-dependent driving field is searched to force the system behave in desired pattern. In order to achieve the goal, an optimal control theory for time-dependent quantum transport is developed. The theory provides a theoretical tool for the design of driving field to control the transient current through a nano junction along a prescribed pattern. The optimal control field is searched by minimizing a control functional. Corresponding equations of motions are derived accordingly to efficiently search for the optimal control field. The development of optimal control theory for time-dependent quantum transport enables the ultra-fast and precise control of current by electrical field.