Brownian motors

  • In systems possessing a spatial or dynamical symmetry breaking thermal Brownian motion combined with unbiased, non-equilibrium noise gives rise to a channelling of chance that can be used to exercise control over systems at the micro- and even on the nano-scale. This theme is known as "Brownian motor" concept. The constructive role of (the generally overdamped) Brownian motion is exemplified for a noise-induced transport of particles within various set-ups. We first present the working principles and characteristics with a proof-of-principle device, a diffusive temperature Brownian motor. Next, we consider very recent applications based on the phenomenon of signal mixing. The latter is particularly simple to implement experimentally in order to optimize and selectively control a rich variety of directed transport behaviors. The subtleties and also the potential for Brownian motors operating in the quantum regime are outlined and some state-of-the-art applications, together with futureIn systems possessing a spatial or dynamical symmetry breaking thermal Brownian motion combined with unbiased, non-equilibrium noise gives rise to a channelling of chance that can be used to exercise control over systems at the micro- and even on the nano-scale. This theme is known as "Brownian motor" concept. The constructive role of (the generally overdamped) Brownian motion is exemplified for a noise-induced transport of particles within various set-ups. We first present the working principles and characteristics with a proof-of-principle device, a diffusive temperature Brownian motor. Next, we consider very recent applications based on the phenomenon of signal mixing. The latter is particularly simple to implement experimentally in order to optimize and selectively control a rich variety of directed transport behaviors. The subtleties and also the potential for Brownian motors operating in the quantum regime are outlined and some state-of-the-art applications, together with future roadways, are presented.show moreshow less

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Metadaten
Author:Peter HänggiORCiDGND, Fabio MarchesoniORCiD, Franco Nori
URN:urn:nbn:de:bvb:384-opus4-2800
Frontdoor URLhttps://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/346
Type:Preprint
Language:English
Publishing Institution:Universität Augsburg
Release Date:2006/09/04
Tag:Brownian motors; Brownian motion; statistical physics; noise-induced transport
GND-Keyword:Brownsche Bewegung; Rauschen; Transportprozess
Source:erschienen in: Ann. Phys. (Leipzig) 14, 51–70 (2005) ; DOI 10.1002/andp.200410121; URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109863529/ABSTRACT
Institutes:Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlich-Technische Fakultät
Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlich-Technische Fakultät / Institut für Physik
Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlich-Technische Fakultät / Institut für Physik / Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Physik I
Dewey Decimal Classification:5 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik / 53 Physik / 530 Physik