Non-equilibrium noise in a mesoscopic conductor: microscopic analysis

Abstract

Current fluctuations are studied in a mesoscopic conductor using non-equilibrium Keldysh technique. We derive a general expression for the fluctuations in the presence of a time dependent voltage, valid for arbitrary relation between voltage and temperature. Two limits are then treated: a pulse of voltage and a DC voltage. A pulse of voltage causes phase sensitive current fluctuations for which we derive microscopically an expression periodic in $\int V(t)dt$ with the period $h/e$. Applied to current fluctuations in Josephson circuits caused by phase slips, it gives an anomalous contribution to the noise with a logarithmic singularity near the critical current. In the DC case, we get quantum to classical shot noise reduction factor 1/3, in agreement with recent results of Beenakker and Büttiker.