STOCHASTIC DIFFUSION IN A PERIODIC POTENTIAL

This paper deals with two equations for classical stochastic diffusion in a potential. First, the full Fokker-Planck equation in phase-space for a Brownian particle in a periodic potential and linearly coupled to an external field is considered. The solution discussed previously by the author and co-worker is improved upon. An alternative approximation is introduced. Then, the simpler Smoluchowski equation, which is derivable from the Fokker-Planck equation under suitable conditions, is solved using Hill's determinant method. Finally a WKB-type method is proposed to solve the Smoluchowski equation for a general class of potentials. © 1979.