We investigate both analytically and by numerical simulation the relaxation of an overdamped Brownian particle in a 1D multiwell potential. We show that the mean relaxation time from an injection point inside the well down to its bottom is dominated by statistically rare trajectories that sample the potential profile outside the well. As a consequence, also the hopping time between two degenerate wells can depend on the detailed multiwell structure of the entire potential. The nonlocal nature of the transitions between two states of a disordered landscape is important for the correct interpretation of the relaxation rates in complex chemical- physical systems, measured either through numerical simulations or experimental techniques. Published by AIP Publishing.
Nonlocality of relaxation rates in disordered landscapes
F. Marchesoni
2017-01-01
Abstract
We investigate both analytically and by numerical simulation the relaxation of an overdamped Brownian particle in a 1D multiwell potential. We show that the mean relaxation time from an injection point inside the well down to its bottom is dominated by statistically rare trajectories that sample the potential profile outside the well. As a consequence, also the hopping time between two degenerate wells can depend on the detailed multiwell structure of the entire potential. The nonlocal nature of the transitions between two states of a disordered landscape is important for the correct interpretation of the relaxation rates in complex chemical- physical systems, measured either through numerical simulations or experimental techniques. Published by AIP Publishing.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
