Algorithms for Brownian first passage time estimation

Abstract

A class of algorithms in discrete space and continuous time for Brownian first passage time estimation is considered. A simple algorithm is derived that yields exact mean first passage times (MFPT) for linear potentials in one dimension, regardless of the lattice spacing. When applied to nonlinear potentials and/or higher spatial dimensions, numerical evidence suggests that this algorithm yields MFPT estimates that either outperform or rival Langevin-based (discrete time, continuous space) estimates.