English

Unstable decay and state selection

Statistical Mechanics 2008-02-03 v1

Abstract

We consider the problem of state selection for a stochastic system, initially in an unstable stationary state, when multiple metastable states compete for occupation. Using path-integral techniques we derive remarkably simple and accurate formulas for state-selection probabilities. The method is sufficiently general that it is applicable to a wide variety of problems.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.cond-mat/9708123,
  title  = {Unstable decay and state selection},
  author = {Martin B. Tarlie and Alan J. McKane},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/9708123},
  year   = {2008}
}

Comments

4 pages, 2 figures