2008/02/24 by H. B. Chan, M. I. Dykman, C. Stambaugh +1 · 67 citations
Computer Science · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #Computer science #Distribution (mathematics) #Mathematical analysis #Mathematics #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #Path (computing) #Phase (matter) #Phase space #Physics #Quantum mechanics #Space (punctuation) #Statistical physics #Symmetry (geometry) #Thermal #Thermal equilibrium #Thermodynamics #cond-mat.mes-hall #cond-mat.stat-mech #stochastic dynamics and bifurcation
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.100.130602
published in Physical Review Letters 100(13), 130602 (American Physical Society) · Accepted to Phys. Rev. Lett
arxiv created 2008/02/24 · openalex publication_date 2008/04/03 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We demonstrate that the paths followed by a system in fluctuation-activated switching form a narrow tube in phase space. A theory of the path distribution is developed and its direct measurement is performed in a micromechanical oscillator. The experimental and theoretical results are in excellent agreement, with no adjustable parameters. We also demonstrate the lack of time-reversal symmetry in switching of systems far from thermal equilibrium.