Scaling limits for the generalized Langevin equation

Abstract

In this paper, we study the diffusive limit of solutions to the generalized Langevin equation (GLE) in a periodic potential. Under the assumption of quasi-Markovianity, we obtain sharp longtime equilibration estimates for the GLE using techniques from the theory of hypocoercivity. We then prove asymptotic results for the effective diffusion coefficient in three limiting regimes: the short memory, the overdamped and the underdamped limits. Finally, we employ a recently developed spectral numerical method in order to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient for a wide range of (effective) friction coefficients, confirming our asymptotic results.