  We consider single-channel transmission through a double quantum dot system
consisting of two single dots that are connected by a wire and coupled each to
one lead. The system is described in the framework of the S-matrix theory by
using the effective Hamiltonian of the open quantum system. It consists of the
Hamiltonian of the closed system (without attached leads) and a term that
accounts for the coupling of the states via the continuum of propagating modes
in the leads. This model allows to study the physical meaning of branch points
in the complex plane. They are points of coalesced eigenvalues and separate the
two scenarios with avoided level crossings and without any crossings in the
complex plane. They influence strongly the features of transmission through
double quantum dots.
