We develop a new approach to electron transport in time-dependent potentials, based on the single-electron Ansatz for the many-electron wave-function. This approach solves the time-dependent Schroedinger equation for a single electron, yields simple expressions for the transient currents for time-dependent potentials, and reproduces the Landauer formula for the steady state limit. In particular, the single-electron approach can be very effective for study the effects of fluctuating environment on transient and steady-state currents and charges in any mesoscopic system of coupled dots. Specific examples are presented.

Prof. Shmuel Gurvitz obtained his Ph.D from Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. Then he immigrated to Israel and conducted research in Weizmann Institute of Science in 1972. He is now a Professor of Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics in Weizmann Institute of Science. His research interests include Open systems, Quantum Measurements, Mesoscopic Physics, Tunneling, Scattering theory.