Transport and dynamical properties of inertial ratchets

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a massive particle moves in a time-dependent ratchet potential with dissipation, revealing complex behaviors like current fluctuations and potential for mass separation devices.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of inertial ratchets with dissipation, highlighting the impact of friction and noise on transport properties and stability.

Findings

Stationary regimes depend strongly on friction coefficient.

Current and Lyapunov exponent exhibit large fluctuations and inversions.

Potential application in mass separation devices.

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the dynamics and transport properties of a massive particle, in a time dependent periodic potential of the ratchet type, with a dissipative environment. The directional currents and characteristics of the motion are studied as the specific frictional coefficient varies, finding that the stationary regime is strongly dependent on this parameter. The maximal Lyapunov exponent and the current show large fluctuations and inversions, therefore for some range of the control parameter, this inertial ratchet could originate a mass separation device. Also an exploration of the effect of a random force on the system is performed.