Reduced dynamics of a one-dimensional Janus particle.

Abstract

A Janus particle diffusing on a line is considered. Aside from its own driving force f acting forward or backward according to its stochastic orientation, it moves in a position-dependent potential U(x). We propose here the mapping scheme generating the effective generalized Fick-Jacobs equation, describing motion of the particle in the spatial coordinate x only; the orientation is understood as the transverse coordinate. The self-propulsion, driving the system out of equilibrium, is reflected as an additional effective potential -γ(x) in the reduced picture. It enables us to understand peculiarities of this system in a handy way. The additionally corrected potential redistributes the confined particles in quasiequilibrium causing their piling at the walls. In periodic asymmetric channels, it acquires a growing contribution, responsible for driving the ratchet effect.