Unidirectional hopping transport of interacting particles on a finite chain

TL;DR

This paper investigates the transport of interacting particles in a finite 1-D channel driven by time-dependent energies, analyzing how various parameters affect performance and testing a density functional theory for such systems.

Contribution

It provides an exact rate equation analysis of active particle transport and evaluates the applicability of a time-dependent density functional theory for far-from-equilibrium systems.

Findings

Optimal transport conditions depend on reservoir potentials and driving parameters.

Exact rate equations effectively model particle dynamics in the system.

Density functional theory shows promise for complex many-particle systems.

Abstract

Particle transport through an open, discrete 1-D channel against a mechanical or chemical bias is analyzed within a master equation approach. The channel, externally driven by time dependent site energies, allows multiple occupation due to the coupling to reservoirs. Performance criteria and optimization of active transport in a two-site channel are discussed as a function of reservoir chemical potentials, the load potential, interparticle interaction strength, driving mode and driving period. Our results, derived from exact rate equations, are used in addition to test a previously developed time-dependent density functional theory, suggesting a wider applicability of that method in investigations of many particle systems far from equilibrium.