Method of images for one-dimensional discrete random walk under a reflecting barrier
Statistical Mechanics
2025-07-10 v4
Abstract
The transition probability for a one-dimensional discrete symmetric random walk under a reflecting barrier was once given by the method of images. [S. Chandrasekhar, Rev. Mod. Phys. 15, 1 (1943).] However, several inconsistencies have been reported when the method of images is applied in cases where a reflecting barrier is considered, even after the exact solution has been obtained. Here, we explicitly show that the method of images becomes applicable if the image position is shifted.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2408.00926,
title = {Method of images for one-dimensional discrete random walk under a reflecting barrier},
author = {Kazuhiko Seki},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.00926},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
7 pages: 1 figure