Mean first passage time approach to the problem of optimal barrier subdivision for Kramer's escape rate

Mulugeta Bekele, G Ananthakrishna and N Kumar

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 1999, vol. 270, issue 1, 149-158

Abstract: We consider the effect of subdividing the potential barrier along the reaction coordinate on Kramer's escape rate for a model potential. Using the known supersymmetric potential approach, we show the existence of an optimal number of subdivisions that maximizes the rate. We cast the problem as a mean first passage time problem of a biased random walker and obtain equivalent results. We briefly summarize the results of our investigation on the increase in the escape rate by placing a blow-torch in the unstable part of one of the potential wells.

Keywords: Kramer's escape rate; Activated processes; Reaction rates; Blow torch (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1999
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:270:y:1999:i:1:p:149-158

DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4371(99)00138-7

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