Quantum transport between finite reservoirs

When driven by a potential bias between two finite reservoirs, the particle current across a quantum system evolves from an initial loading through a coherent, followed by a metastable phase, and ultimately fades away upon equilibration. We formulate a theory which fully accounts for the associated, distinct time scales, and identifies the parameter dependence of the decay rate which ultimately controls the convergence towards equilibrium. Our formalism guarantees total particle number conservation and fundamental consistency between macroscopic and internal currents flowing in the system. We furthermore establish a clear imprint of the fermionic or bosonic particle character on the resulting conductance.