Advances in semiconductor technology have made possible the fabrication of structures whose dimensions are much smaller than the mean free path of an electron. This book gives a thorough account of the theory of electronic transport in such mesoscopic systems. After an initial chapter covering fundamental concepts, the transmission function formalism is presented, and used to describe three key topics in mesoscopic physics: the quantum Hall effect; localisation; and double-barrier tunnelling. Other sections include a discussion of optical analogies to mesoscopic phenomena, and the book concludes with a description of the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism and its relation to the transmission formalism. Complete with problems and solutions, the book will be of great interest to graduate students of mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronic device engineering, as well as to established researchers in these fields.

‘… I applaud Datta for giving us the first thorough introduction to the transmission formalism of quantum transport and its implications for mesoscopic systems. This is a highly intriguing topic which should be taught at universities. I can recommend the book as a basis for an introductory graduate course.’

Source: Physics Today

‘In this beautifully presented book, Supriyo Datta describes the new understanding which has been gained in this field during the last decade. The book is a thought-provoking study of electron transport in small structures which will stimulate anyone who wants to think about what conductivity really is … it starts right from the beginning of the story, assuming very little solid state physics, and thus will be appreciated by readers of differing backgrounds and experience.’

S. J. Blundell Source: Contemporary Physics