2010/06/02 by Ricardo Chacón, Chacon, Ricardo
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Chaotic Dynamics (nlin.CD) #Classical Physics (physics.class-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #Protein Structure and Dynamics #stochastic dynamics and bifurcation
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1006.0350
openalex publication_date 2010/06/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Conclusive mathematical arguments are presented supporting the ratchet conjecture [R. Chacón, J. Phys. A 40, F413 (2007)], i.e., the existence of a universal force waveform which optimally enhances directed transport by symmetry breaking. Specifically, such a particular waveform is shown to be unique for both temporal and spatial biharmonic forces, and general (non-perturbative) laws providing the dependence of the strength of directed transport on the force parameters are deduced for these forces. The theory explains previous results for a great diversity of systems subjected to such biharmonic forces and provides a universal quantitative criterion to optimize any application of the ratchet effect induced by symmetry breaking of temporal and spatial biharmonic forces.