Resonant activation in a colored multiplicative thermal noise driven closed system

Area of Science:

• Statistical physics
• Stochastic processes
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics

Background:

• Resonant activation (RA) is a phenomenon where an external periodic force can enhance barrier crossing in bistable systems.
• Understanding RA in complex environments, such as thermodynamically closed systems with frictional effects, is crucial for various physical and chemical processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the possibility and characteristics of resonant activation (RA) in a thermodynamically closed system.
• To analyze the influence of noise correlation time, noise variance, and multiplicative noise coupling strength on the barrier-crossing rate.
• To compare simulation results with analytical predictions for stochastic processes.

Main Methods:

• Simulating a particle in a potential experiencing random force and frequency-dependent damping from a thermal bath.
• Analyzing the barrier-crossing rate as a function of noise correlation time and coupling strength.
• Comparing numerical simulation data with analytical calculations.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated RA in a closed system with random forces and frequency-dependent damping.
• Observed a turnover behavior in the barrier-crossing rate versus noise correlation time at fixed noise variance.
• Found that the barrier-crossing rate peaks with increasing multiplicative noise coupling strength, with potential disappearance at high damping.

Conclusions:

• Resonant activation is feasible in thermodynamically closed systems under specific stochastic conditions.
• The study provides a comprehensive analysis of RA, highlighting key parameters influencing barrier-crossing dynamics.
• Excellent agreement between analytical and numerical results validates the theoretical framework and simulation approach.