Reversal ofthe motion direction of a Brownian ratchet induced by the curvature reversal of the ratchet potential

Authors

  • Viktor M. Rozenbaum Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
  • Aleksei G. Rudakouski Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
  • Irina V. Shapochkina Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

Keywords:

Brownian ratchet, diffusion transport, nonequilibrium fluctuations, dichotomous process, periodic potential, universal symmetry
Supporting Agencies
The work was partially carried out within the framework of the state scientific research programme of the Republic of Belarus «Photonics and electronics for innovation» (assignment 1.17.1 «Modelling and creation of photonic and optoelectronic nanostructures based on graphene-like materials for controlling optical radiation»).

Abstract

Brownian motion of a particle in a stationary potential profile of universal symmetry is considered, the drift of which occurs due to dichotomous fluctuations of that profile with the coordinate dependence of the fluctuations described by either symmetric or antisymmetric periodic functions. Unlike existing models of ratchet systems, the asymmetry of the system under consideration is introduced by means of fluctuations due to a shift in the positions of their symmetry axes or symmetry centers relative to the stationary profile. In the high-temperature approximation, analytical relations are obtained for the frequency dependence of the ratchet average velocity, which implies the existence of the ratchet effect when two spatial harmonics of the fluctuating potential are taken into account. The temperature dependences of the average velocity have been calculated in the adiabatic mode of the motion. It is shown that the reversal of the curvature of the stationary component of the potential profile under spatially symmetric fluctuations can lead to a reversal of the motion direction. The dependences of the average velocity on the fluctuation frequency, the shift of the symmetry axes of the stationary and fluctuating components of the potential energy, as well as on the ratio of the amplitudes of these components to the thermal energy have been analysed. Optimal motion modes of the ratchet system under consideration have been revealed.

Author Biographies

  • Viktor M. Rozenbaum, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

    doctor of science (physics and mathematics), full professor; leading researcher at the department of computer modelling, faculty of physics, Belarusian State University, and professor at the Joint Institute of Dalian University of Technology and Belarusian State University

  • Aleksei G. Rudakouski, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

    student at the faculty of physics

  • Irina V. Shapochkina, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

    PhD (physics and mathematics), docent; associate professor at the department of computer modelling, faculty of physics, Belarusian State University, and associate professor, Joint Institute of Dalian University of Technology and Belarusian State University

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Published

2025-11-05

Issue

No. 2 (2025): Journal of the Belarusian State University. Physics

Section

Theoretical Physics

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How to Cite

(1)
Rozenbaum, V. M.; Rudakouski, A. G.; Shapochkina, I. V. Reversal Ofthe Motion Direction of a Brownian Ratchet Induced by the Curvature Reversal of the Ratchet Potential. Журнал Белорусского государственного университета. Физика 2025, No. 2, 85-95.