Asymmetry of the excess finite-frequency noise

We consider finite frequency noise in a mesoscopic system with arbitrary interactions, connected to many terminals kept at finite electrochemical potentials. We show that the excess noise, obtained by subtracting the noise at zero voltage from that at finite voltage, can be asymmetric with respect to positive/negative frequencies if the system is non-linear. This explains a recent experimental observation in Josephson junctions as well as strong asymmetry obtained in typical non-linear and strongly correlated systems described by the Luttinger liquid (LL): edge states in the fractional quantum Hall effect, quantum wires and carbon nanotubes. Another important problem where the LL model applies is that of a coherent conductor embedded in an ohmic environment.