Interference of stochastic resonances: Splitting of Kramers' rate

TL;DR

This paper investigates how synchronized sinusoidal forces influence particle escape rates in a triple well potential, revealing a phase-dependent splitting of Kramers' rate and affecting product distribution in chemical reactions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of interference of stochastic resonances, showing phase-controlled splitting of escape rates in a symmetric triple well system.

Findings

Phase difference controls escape rate splitting.

Synchronized signals influence product distribution.

Potential barrier oscillates symmetrically about a mean.

Abstract

We consider the escape of particles located in the middle well of a symmetric triple well potential driven sinusoidally by two forces such that the potential wells roll as in stochastic resonance and the height of the potential barrier oscillates symmetrically about a mean as in resonant activation. It has been shown that depending on their phase difference the application of these two synchronized signals may lead to a splitting of time averaged Kramers' escape rate and a preferential product distribution in a parallel chemical reaction in the steady state.