Irreversible and reversible modes of operation of deterministic ratchets.
We discuss a problem of optimization of the energetic efficiency of a simple rocked ratchet. We concentrate on a low-temperature case in which the particle's motion in a ratchet potential is deterministic. We show that the energetic efficiency of a ratchet working adiabatically is bounded from above by a value depending on the form of ratchet potential. The ratchets with strongly asymmetric potentials can achieve ideal efficiency of unity without approaching reversibility. On the other hand we show that for any form of the ratchet potential a set of time protocols of the outer force exists under which the operation is reversible and the ideal value of efficiency eta=1 is also achieved. The mode of operation of the ratchet is still quasistatic but not adiabatic. The high values of efficiency can be preserved even under elevated temperatures.
Sokolov
I M
IM
Theoretische Polymerphysik, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.