Kubo formula for finite size systems

Abstract: We demonstrate that the proper calculation of the linear response for finite-size systems can only be performed if the coupling to the leads/baths is explicitly taken into consideration. We exemplify this by obtaining a Kubo-type formula for heat transport in a finite-size system coupled to two thermal baths, kept at different temperatures. We show that the proper calculation results in a well-behaved response, without the singular contributions from degenerate states encountered when Kubo formulae for infinite-size systems are inappropriately used for finite-size systems.