Analytical solution for the Feynman ratchet

Karol Pesz; Barbara J. Gabryś; Stanisław J. Bartkiewicz

doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.66.061103

Analytical solution for the Feynman ratchet

Karol Pesz, Barbara J. Gabryś, and Stanisław J. Bartkiewicz

Phys. Rev. E 66, 061103 – Published 30 December 2002

Abstract

A search for an analytical, closed form solution of the Fokker-Planck equation with periodic, asymmetric potentials (ratchets) is presented. It is found that logarithmic-type potential functions (related to “entropic” ratchets) allow for an approximate solution within a certain range of parameters. An expression for the net current is calculated and it is shown that the efficiency of the rocked entropic ratchet is always low.

Received 26 August 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.66.061103

Authors & Affiliations

Karol Pesz^1,*, Barbara J. Gabryś^2,†, and Stanisław J. Bartkiewicz¹

¹Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Technical University, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, Wrocław, Poland
²Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, The Open University in the South, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5HR, United Kingdom

^*Deceased
^†Corresponding author. FAX: +44-1865-736288. Electronic address: b.j.gabrys@open.ac.uk

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Vol. 66, Iss. 6 — December 2002

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