The snapping out Brownian motion

Abstract

We give a probabilistic representation of a one-dimensional diffusion equation where the solution is discontinuous at $0$ with a jump proportional to its flux. This kind of interface condition is usually seen as a semi-permeable barrier. For this, we use a process called here the snapping out Brownian motion, whose properties are studied. As this construction is motivated by applications, for example, in brain imaging or in chemistry, a simulation scheme is also provided.