Quantum current noise from a Born-Markov master equation

P. G. Kirton, A. D. Armour, M. Houzet, F. Pistolesi

Published 2012-01-30, updated 2012-08-28Version 2

We present a formalism for calculating the non-symmetrized quantum current noise within the Born-Markov approximation for the master equation. The formalism is particularly well suited to obtaining the current noise for quantum transport in mesoscopic devices such as a superconducting single electron transistor (SSET). As an example of the method, we obtain explicit results for the double Josephson-quasiparticle (DJQP) resonance in a SSET. Our calculations reveal the asymmetries that develop in the current noise as well as clarifying the behavior at high frequencies. Our findings are consistent with recent measurements of the asymmetry in the current noise spectrum.