Resonant activation in the presence of non-equilibrated baths

TL;DR

This paper investigates how non-Gaussian, non-equilibrated bath noise influences the escape dynamics of a particle over a fluctuating barrier, highlighting the role of stable noises and resonant activation phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces analysis of non-Gaussian noise effects on escape times and explores the connection between Tsallis statistics and fractional Fokker-Planck equations.

Findings

Stable noises significantly alter mean escape times.

Resonant activation is affected by non-Gaussian noise characteristics.

Lévy noises are relevant in non-equilibrated bath systems.

Abstract

We study the generic problem of the escape of a classical particle over a fluctuating barrier under the influence of non-Gaussian noise mimicking the effects of not-fully equilibrated bath. Our attention focuses on the effect of the stable noises on the mean escape time and on the phenomenon of resonant activation (RA). Possible physical interpretation of the occurrence of L\'evy noises in the system of interest is discussed and the connection between the Tsallis statistics and the Fractional Fokker Planck Equation is addressed.