Brownian motors are small scale non equilibrium constructions that can deliver work under influence of fluctuations. To function, one needs to
break is some way the spatial left-right symmetry of the machine.
I briefly review some examples of "traditional or extrinsic ratchets" in which spatial symmetry is broken by an external device (for example an external potential).
In the case of "intrinsic ratchets", the spatial symmetry is broken by the moving object itself. I give some examples and show that their mathematical discussion
is much simpler than that for extrinsic ratchets.
References:
B. Cleuren and C. Van den Broeck, EPL 77, 50003 (2007).
M. Van den Broek, R. Eichhorn and C. Van den Broeck, EPL 86, 30002 (2009).
Coffee and cookies will be served 15 minutes before the start of the seminar
Contact details:
Manuel Matías Contact form