Effective temperature for an intermittent bistable potential

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics
• Soft matter physics

Background:

• Understanding thermodynamics in far-from-equilibrium systems is crucial.
• The validity of effective parameters like temperature in dynamic systems is under investigation.
• Resetting protocols and time-varying fields present challenges to equilibrium assumptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of switching an asymmetric bistable potential on particle dynamics.
• To determine the mean first passage time (MFPT) under these conditions.
• To analyze the system's deviation from equilibrium based on switching rates.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurements of particle movement.
• Numerical simulations of the system's behavior.
• Analysis of mean first passage time (MFPT).
• Quantification of deviation from detailed balance and phase-space flux circulation.

Main Results:

• Switching the potential ON-OFF influences the system's symmetry and dynamics.
• Slow switching rates result in an effective temperature (Teff) lower than room temperature (T).
• Fast switching rates drive the system towards equilibrium, approaching room temperature.
• Deviation from detailed balance and net flux indicate departure from equilibrium at slow switching.

Conclusions:

• The system deviates from equilibrium at slow switching rates, characterized by an effective temperature.
• Equilibrium conditions are re-established at high switching rates.
• The study provides insights into the thermodynamics of periodically driven systems.