TY - JOUR
T1 - Minimal model for Brownian vortexes
AU - Sun, Bo
AU - Grier, David G.
AU - Grosberg, Alexander Y.
PY - 2010/8/25
Y1 - 2010/8/25
N2 - A Brownian vortex is a noise-driven machine that uses thermal fluctuations to extract a steady-state flow of work from a static force field. Its operation is characterized by loops in a probability current whose topology and direction can change with changes in temperature. We present discrete three- and four-state minimal models for Brownian vortexes that can be solved exactly with a master-equation formalism. These models elucidate conditions required for flux reversal in Brownian vortexes and provide insights into their thermodynamic efficiency through the rate of entropy production.
AB - A Brownian vortex is a noise-driven machine that uses thermal fluctuations to extract a steady-state flow of work from a static force field. Its operation is characterized by loops in a probability current whose topology and direction can change with changes in temperature. We present discrete three- and four-state minimal models for Brownian vortexes that can be solved exactly with a master-equation formalism. These models elucidate conditions required for flux reversal in Brownian vortexes and provide insights into their thermodynamic efficiency through the rate of entropy production.
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U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevE.82.021123
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevE.82.021123
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:77956116926
SN - 1063-651X
VL - 82
JO - Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
JF - Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
IS - 2
M1 - 021123
ER -