title: Large fluctuations and singular behavior of nonequilibrium systems.
abstract: We present a general geometrical approach to the problem of escape from a metastable state in the presence of noise. The accompanying analysis leads to a simple condition, based on the norm of the drift field, for determining whether caustic singularities alter the escape trajectories when detailed balance is absent. We apply our methods to systems lacking detailed balance, including a nanomagnet with a biaxial magnetic anisotropy and subject to a spin-transfer torque. The approach described within allows determination of the regions of experimental parameter space that admit caustics.
authors: Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Pinna
authors: Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA.
authors: A D
authors: AD
authors: Kent
authors: Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA; Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA; and NYU-ECNU Institutes of Physics and Mathematical Sciences at NYU Shanghai, 3663 Zhongshan Road North, Shanghai, 200062, China.
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Stein