Mechanically induced current and quantum evaporation from Luttinger liquids

Abstract

We investigate transport through a tunnelling junction between an uncorrelated metallic lead and a Luttinger liquid when the latter is subjected to a time dependent perturbation. The tunnelling current as well as the electron energy distribution function are found to be strongly affected by the perturbation due to generation of harmonics in the density oscillations. Using a semiconducting lead instead of a metallic one results in electrons being injected into the lead even without applied voltage. Some applications to carbon nanotubes are discussed.