Multiple dynamic transitions in nonequilibrium work fluctuations

TL;DR

This paper analytically investigates the work distribution of a diffusing particle under complex forces, revealing multiple dynamic transitions in the tail behavior of the distribution over time.

Contribution

It uncovers multiple dynamic transitions in the work fluctuation distribution caused by interplay between nonconservative and conservative forces in a two-dimensional system.

Findings

Exponential tail shape of work distribution undergoes dynamic transitions over time.

Transitions are due to interplay between rotational and decaying modes.

High-dimensional systems likely exhibit similar multiple dynamic transitions.

Abstract

The time-dependent work probability distribution function $P(W)$ is investigated analytically for a diffusing particle trapped by an anisotropic harmonic potential and driven by a nonconservative drift force in two dimensions. We find that the exponential tail shape of $P(W)$ characterizing rare-event probabilities undergoes a sequence of dynamic transitions in time. These remarkable locking-unlocking type transitions result from an intricate interplay between a rotational mode induced by the nonconservative force and an anisotropic decaying mode due to the conservative attractive force. We expect that most of high-dimensional dynamical systems should exhibit similar multiple dynamic transitions.