Abstract

We study the transport properties of independent carriers through a quantum wire coupled to a quantum-dot array. The electrical conductance at zero temperature can be expressed through a non-linear discrete dynamical system as the number of quantum dots varies. The dynamical system shows a rich behavior, determining a non-trivial conductance dependence on the Fermi energy. The conductance depends smoothly on the Fermi energy far from the site-energy of the quantum dots. At the center of the band the conductance develops a complex pattern due to constructive and destructive interference in the ballistic channel. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.