Negative partial density of states in mesoscopic systems

Since the experimental observation of quantum mechanical scattering phase shift in mesoscopic systems, several aspects of it have not yet been understood. The experimental observations have also accentuated many theoretical problems related to Friedel sum rule and negativity of partial density of states. We address these problems using the concepts of Argand diagram and Burgers circuit. We can prove the possibility of negative partial density of states in mesoscopic systems. Such a conclusive and general evidence cannot be given in one, two or three dimensions. We can show a general connection between phase drops and exactness of semi classical Friedel sum rule. We also show Argand diagram for a scattering matrix element can be of few classes based on their topology and all observations can be classified accordingly. [Display omitted] •Argand diagram for complex scattering matrix elements sαβ.•Argand diagram : Plot of Im(sαβ) versus Re(sαβ).•New physics in quasi-one dimension due to sub-loop ABQCA in Argand diagram.•Sub-loop implies negative partial density of states.•Sub-loop destroys our understanding of semi-classical regime.