SIDDHARTHA LAL, SUMATHI RAO* and DIPTIMAN SEN

Centre for Theoretical Studies,  Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India

* Harish-chandra Research Institute, Chhatnag Road, Jhusi, Allahabad 211 019, India

 Abstract.

With a brief introduction to one-dimensional channels and conductance quantization in mesoscopic systems, we discuss some recent experimental puzzles in these systems, which include reduction of quantized conductances and an interesting odd--even effect in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field. We then discuss a recent non-homogeneous Luttinger liquid model proposed by us, which addresses and gives an explanation for the reduced conductances and the odd--even effect. We end with a brief summary and discussion of future projects.

Keywords:  Quantum wires; contact resistance; Luttinger liquids.

Pacs Nos.  85.35.Be; 72.10.-d; 73.40.Cg; 71.10.Pm