From Particle Currents to Tracer Diffusion: Universal Correlation Profiles in Single-File Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Soft Matter

Background:

• Single-file transport involves particles in confined channels, preventing bypass and inducing strong correlations.
• Correlation profiles quantify particle interactions and have recently gained importance in understanding single-file systems.
• Previous studies were limited to diffusive systems in the hydrodynamic limit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine correlation profiles for single-file systems with general stochastic dynamics.
• To demonstrate a universal form for correlation profiles at arbitrary times.
• To extend the understanding of correlation profiles beyond diffusive and 1D systems.

Main Methods:

• Modeling reflecting point particles on an infinite line with general individual stochastic dynamics.
• Deriving and analyzing the universal form of correlation profiles.
• Applying the framework to specific models like Brownian particles, run-and-tumble particles, and Lévy flights.

Main Results:

• Correlation profiles exhibit a simple, universal form for a general class of single-file systems.
• The derived universal form holds at arbitrary times, not just in the hydrodynamic limit.
• The approach is applicable to various particle dynamics and extends to non-1D cases and other observables.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a universal framework for correlation profiles in single-file transport.
• Results provide a deeper understanding of particle correlations in confined systems with diverse dynamics.
• The findings have broad implications for statistical physics, soft matter, and transport phenomena.