Corrals and Critical Behavior of the Distribution of Fluctuational Paths

M. I. Dykman; D. G. Luchinsky; P. V. E. McClintock; V. N. Smelyanskiy

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.77.5229

Corrals and Critical Behavior of the Distribution of Fluctuational Paths

M. I. Dykman, D. G. Luchinsky, P. V. E. McClintock, and V. N. Smelyanskiy

Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 5229 – Published 23 December 1996

Abstract

We investigate, theoretically and by analog experiment, the distribution of paths for large fluctuations away from a stable state. We have found critical broadening of the distribution of the paths coming to a cusp point that represents the simplest generic singularity in the pattern of most probable (optimal) fluctuational paths in nonequilibrium systems. The critical behavior can be described by a Landau-type theory. We predict and observe two-ridged distributions for arrivals on a switching line that separates the areas reached along optimal paths of different types.

Received 23 August 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.77.5229

Authors & Affiliations

M. I. Dykman¹, D. G. Luchinsky², P. V. E. McClintock², and V. N. Smelyanskiy¹

¹Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
²School of Physics and Chemistry, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, United Kingdom