Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets

Details Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets

2008-07-29

arxiv.org/abs/0807.4644v2

Phys. Rev. E 79, 031118 (2009)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

10 pages, 6 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.79.031118

In a spatially periodic temperature profile, directed transport of an overdamped Brownian particle can be induced along a periodic potential. With a load force applied to the particle, this setup can perform as a heat engine. For a given load, the optimal potential maximizes the current and thus the power output of the heat engine. We calculate the optimal potential for different temperature profiles and show that in the limit of a periodic piecewise constant temperature profile alternating between two temperatures, the optimal potential leads to a divergent current. This divergence, being an effect of both the overdamped limit and the infinite temperature gradient at the interface, would be cut off in any real experiment.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optimal potentials for temperature ratchets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-38696