Feedback control in a collective flashing ratchet
Statistical Mechanics
2007-05-23 v2 Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Biomolecules
Abstract
An ensemble of Brownian particles in a feedback controlled flashing ratchet is studied. The ratchet potential is switched on and off depending on the position of the particles, with the aim of maximizing the current. We study in detail a protocol which maximizes the instant velocity of the center of mass of the ensemble at any time. This protocol is optimal for one particle and performs better than any periodic flashing for ensembles of moderate size, whereas is defeated by a random or periodic switching for large ensembles.
Cite
@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0402680,
title = {Feedback control in a collective flashing ratchet},
author = {F. J. Cao and L. Dinis and J. M. R. Parrondo},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0402680},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
LaTeX, 4 pages, 4 figures, improved version to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett