TY - JOUR
T1 - Transition-rate theory for nongradient drift fields
AU - Maier, Robert S.
AU - Stein, D. L.
PY - 1992
Y1 - 1992
N2 - Classical transition-rate theory provides analytic techniques for computing the asymptotics of a weakly perturbed particle's mean residence time in the basin of attraction of a metastable state. If the dynamics of the particle are derivable from a potential, it typically escapes over a saddle point. In the nonpotential case exit may take place over an unstable point instead, leading to unexpected phenomena. These may include an anomalous pre-exponential factor, with a continuously varying exponent, in the residence time asymptotics. Moreover, the most probable escape trajectories may eventually deviate from the least-action escape path.
AB - Classical transition-rate theory provides analytic techniques for computing the asymptotics of a weakly perturbed particle's mean residence time in the basin of attraction of a metastable state. If the dynamics of the particle are derivable from a potential, it typically escapes over a saddle point. In the nonpotential case exit may take place over an unstable point instead, leading to unexpected phenomena. These may include an anomalous pre-exponential factor, with a continuously varying exponent, in the residence time asymptotics. Moreover, the most probable escape trajectories may eventually deviate from the least-action escape path.
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U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevLett.69.3691
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevLett.69.3691
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0000978316
SN - 0031-9007
VL - 69
SP - 3691
EP - 3695
JO - Physical review letters
JF - Physical review letters
IS - 26
ER -