Vortex ratchet

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel class of thermal ratchets driven by non-Hermitian symmetry-breaking perturbations that convert thermal fluctuations into directed particle currents under unbiased periodic forces.

Contribution

It presents a new mechanism for thermal ratchets using non-Hermitian dynamics, expanding the understanding of energy transduction and directed transport in stochastic systems.

Findings

Demonstrates rectification of thermal fluctuations into directed currents.

Identifies physical systems where this mechanism can be realized.

Shows energy transduction from periodic forces to particle motion.

Abstract

We present a new class of thermal ratchets operating under the action of a symmetry breaking non-Hermitian perturbation which rectifies thermal fluctuations, and driven by a unbiased periodic force. The peculiar non-Hermitian dynamics which follows causes energy transduction from the force to the system in such a way that an average `uphill' particle current is induced. We discuss physical realizations in assemblies of orientable particles, in itinerant oscillator models, and in problems of diffusion in disordered media.