Level alignments and coupling strengths in conductance histograms: The information content of a single channel peak

We develop a theory for describing single channel peaks in conductance histograms by applying probability theory to electron transport. This produces analytical forms for fitting experimental conductance data, where the fitting parameters have physical significance. Depending on the transport mechanism (resonant vs nonresonant tunneling), the peak's line shape contains information on the level alignment of the channel and the channel-electrode coupling(s). We additionally discuss the reliability of fitting data to these forms and present examples. Ultimately, this work provides tools for extracting additional information from experimental data, helping us better understand electron transport processes.