Dynamical symmetries for nanostructures: Implicit symmetries in single-electron transport through real and artificial molecules

Group theoretical concepts elucidate fundamental physical phenomena, including excitation spectra of quantum systems and complex geometrical structures such as molecules and crystals. These concepts are extensively covered in numerous textbooks. The aim of the present monograph is to illuminate more subtle aspects featuring group theory for quantum mechanics, that is, the concept of dynamical symmetry. Dynamical symmetry groups complement the conventional groups: their elements induce transitions between states belonging to different representations of the symmetry group of the Hamiltonian. Dynamical symmetry appears as a hidden symmetry in the hydrogen atom and quantum rotator problem, but its main role is manifested in nano and meso systems. Such systems include atomic clusters, large molecules, quantum dots attached to metallic electrodes, etc. They are expected to be the building blocks of future quantum electronic devices and information transmitting algorithms. Elucidation of the electronic properties of such systems is greatly facilitated by applying concepts of dynamical group theory.