State Selection in Accelerated Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how systems far from equilibrium select among multiple metastable states, using the supercurrent dynamics in a superconducting ring under an electric field as a key example.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for understanding state selection in accelerated, non-equilibrium systems, exemplified by superconducting ring dynamics.

Findings

Supercurrent behavior reveals metastable state competition.

External electric fields influence state occupation probabilities.

Framework applicable to other non-equilibrium systems.

Abstract

The problem of state selection when multiple metastable states compete for occupation is considered for systems that are accelerated far from equilibrium. The dynamics of the supercurrent in a narrow superconducting ring under the influence of an external electric field is used to illustrate the general phenomenology.