Kramers escape rate in nonlinear diffusive media

J Chem Phys. 2006 Jan 14;124(2):024112. doi: 10.1063/1.2150433.

Abstract

In this paper, we study nonlinear Kramers problem by investigating overdamped systems ruled by the one-dimensional nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation. We obtain an analytic expression for the Kramers escape rate under quasistationary conditions by employing a metastable potential and its predictions are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations. The results exhibit the anomalies due to the nonlinearity in W that the escape rate grows with D and drops as mu becomes large at a fixed D. Indeed, particles in the subdiffusive media (mu>1) can escape over the barrier only when D is above a critical value, while this confinement does not exist in the superdiffusive media (mu<1).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Chemistry, Physical / methods*
  • Diffusion*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Thermodynamics
  • Time Factors