title: Wave-packet rectification in nonlinear electronic systems: a tunable Aharonov-Bohm diode.
abstract: Rectification of electron wave-packets propagating along a quasi-one dimensional chain is commonly achieved via the simultaneous action of nonlinearity and longitudinal asymmetry, both confined to a limited portion of the chain termed wave diode. However, it is conceivable that, in the presence of an external magnetic field, spatial asymmetry perpendicular to the direction of propagation suffices to ensure rectification. This is the case of a nonlinear ring-shaped lattice with different upper and lower halves (diode), which is attached to two elastic chains (leads). The resulting device is mirror symmetric with respect to the ring vertical axis, but mirror asymmetric with respect to the chain direction. Wave propagation along the two diode paths can be modeled for simplicity by a discrete Schrödinger equation with cubic nonlinearities. Numerical simulations demonstrate that, thanks to the Aharonov-Bohm effect, such a diode can be operated by tuning the magnetic flux across the ring.
authors.affiliation: Center for Phononics and Thermal Energy Science, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yunyun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Center for Phononics and Thermal Energy Science, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Phononics and Thermal Energy Science, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China [2] Department of Physics, University of Camerino, I-62032 Camerino, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marchesoni
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Phononics and Thermal Energy Science, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China [2] Department of Physics and Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Republic of Singapore.
authors.forename: Baowen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li