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Paths of fluctuation induced switching
H B Chan1, M I Dykman, C Stambaugh
1Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Systems switching via fluctuations follow a narrow path in phase space. This study develops and experimentally verifies a theory for this path distribution, revealing broken time-reversal symmetry in non-equilibrium systems.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics
- Mechanical engineering
Background:
- Understanding fluctuation-activated switching is crucial for systems operating far from thermal equilibrium.
- Characterizing the dynamics and phase space trajectories of such systems remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically describe and experimentally measure the phase space paths during fluctuation-activated switching.
- To investigate the time-reversal symmetry of switching dynamics in non-equilibrium systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical framework for path distribution in phase space.
- Direct experimental measurement of phase space paths using a micromechanical oscillator.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that switching paths form a narrow tube in phase space.
- Experimental results show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions without adjustable parameters.
- Confirmed the lack of time-reversal symmetry in the switching of non-equilibrium systems.
Conclusions:
- The developed theory accurately predicts the path distribution in fluctuation-activated switching.
- Micromechanical oscillators provide a suitable platform for studying non-equilibrium dynamics.
- Switching processes in systems far from thermal equilibrium are inherently non-time-reversible.
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