Phase measurements of barrier crossings in a periodically modulated double-well potential.
We report on the experimental observation of the phase angle of a particle escaping over a periodically modulated potential barrier. Optical tweezers and back-focal plane position detection were used to record particle trajectories in the entire double-well potential. These measurements provide a sensitive test of theories proposed in the past decade of escape driven by random thermal noise from a periodically modulated potential. The observed phase shifts as a function of modulation frequency are consistent with those calculated using existing theories.
NHLBI, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Yeonee
Y
Seol
D L
DL
Stein
Koen
K
Visscher
D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D013816:Thermodynamics
D011137:Polystyrenes