Run-and-tumble motion in a linear ratchet potential: analytic solution, power extraction, and first-passage properties
File(s)PhysRevE.108.014139.pdf (1.93 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Roberts, Connor
Zhen, Zigan
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We explore the properties of run-and-tumble particles moving in a piecewise-linear “ratchet” potential by deriving analytic results for the system's steady-state probability density, current, entropy production rate, extractable power, and thermodynamic efficiency. The ratchet's broken spatial symmetry rectifies the particles' self-propelled motion, resulting in a positive current that peaks at finite values of the diffusion strength, ratchet height, and particle self-propulsion speed. Similar nonmonotonic behavior is also observed for the extractable power and efficiency. We find the optimal apex position for generating maximum current varies with diffusion and that entropy production can have nonmonotonic dependence on diffusion. In particular, for vanishing diffusion, entropy production remains finite when particle self-propulsion is weaker than the ratchet force. Furthermore, power extraction with near-perfect efficiency is achievable in certain parameter regimes due to the simplifications afforded by modeling “dry” active particles. In the final part, we derive mean first-passage times and splitting probabilities for different boundary and initial conditions. This work connects the study of work extraction from active matter with exactly solvable active particle models and will therefore facilitate the design of active engines through these analytic results.
Date Issued
2023-07-31
Date Acceptance
2023-06-29
Citation
Physical Review E, 2023, 108 (1)
ISSN
2470-0045
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review E
Volume
108
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
Published by the American Physical Society Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37583167
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Article Number
014139
Date Publish Online
2023-07-31