Hierarchical quantum master equation approach to electronic-vibrational coupling in nonequilibrium transport through nanosystems

Within the hierarchical quantum master equation (HQME) framework, an approach is presented, which allows a numerically exact description of nonequilibrium charge transport in nanosystems with strong electronic-vibrational coupling. The method is applied to a generic model of vibrationally coupled transport considering a broad spectrum of parameters ranging from the nonadiabatic to the adiabatic regime and including both resonant and off-resonant transport. We show that nonequilibrium effects are important in all these regimes. In particular, in the off-resonant transport regime, the inelastic cotunneling signal is analyzed for a vibrational mode in full nonequilibrium, revealing a complex interplay of different transport processes and deviations from the commonly used G0/2 rule of thumb. In addition, the HQME approach is used to benchmark approximate master equation and nonequilibrium Green's function methods.