Capture rate and efficiency of an oscillating non-ideal trap interacting with a sea of random diffusing particles. A non-equilibrium Fokker–Planck picture

• Published in: Physics letters. A Vol. 379; no. 4; pp. 241 - 245
• Main Authors: Grassi, A., Lombardo, G.M., Pannuzzo, M., Raudino, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 06.02.2015
• Subjects: Computational efficiency; Diffusion; Evolution; Fokker–Planck equation; Kinetics; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Numerical solution; Oscillating; Oscillating trap; Oscillations; Saturation; Solid state physics; Statistical; Statistical; Kinetics; Fokker–Planck equation; Numerical solution; Oscillating trap
• ISSN: 0375-9601; 1873-2429
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2014.10.046

•We analyzed the particles dynamics subject to an oscillating “trap”.•Numerical solution to FPE with various trap's oscillating frequencies and amplitudes.•Out-of-equilibrium calculations describe the evolution toward a “pseudo” equilibrium state.•At pseudo-equilibrium state trapped particles density depends on frequency and amplitude. We investigated the time evolution of a distribution of random diffusing particles around an oscillating non-ideal trap. The problem has been addressed by numerically solving a mono-dimensional Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) for a confined distribution of particles in the presence of an oscillating potential well (trap) of finite depth. Accurate numerical solutions of the FPE have been obtained and expressed as a function of the trap oscillation amplitudes and frequencies. Results show a marked influence of the oscillations both on the capture kinetics and trap efficiency in equilibrium conditions. All the calculated properties exhibit a saturation behavior both at high and low frequencies.