Insight into Resonant Activation in Discrete Systems

Abstract

The resonant activation phenomenon (RAP) in a discrete system is studied using the master equation formalism. We show that the RAP corresponds to a non-monotonic behavior of the frequency dependent first passage time probability density function (pdf). An analytical expression for the resonant frequency is introduced, which, together with numerical results, helps understand the RAP behavior in the space spanned by the transition rates for the case of reflecting and absorbing boundary conditions. The limited range of system parameters for which the RAP occurs is discussed. We show that a minimum and a maximum in the mean first passage time (MFPT) can be obtained when both boundaries are absorbing. Relationships to some biological systems are suggested.

5 pages, 5 figures, Phys. Rev. E., in press

References in corpus (3)

• Experimental Investigation of Resonant Activation
• Properties of resonant activation phenomena
• Translocation of a Single Stranded DNA Through a Conformationally Changing Nanopore

Cited by in corpus (5)

• Quantum escape kinetics over a fluctuating barrier
• Manipulating single enzymes by an external harmonic force
• Translocation of a Single Stranded DNA Through a Conformationally Changing Nanopore
• Periodic force induced stabilization or destabilization of the denatured state of a protein
• Focusing in Multiwell Potentials: Applications to Ion Channels