Generalization of the classical Kramers rate for non-Markovian open systems out of equilibrium

Abstract

We analyze the behavior of a Brownian particle moving in a double-well potential. The escape probability of this particle over the potential barrier from a metastable state toward another state is known as the Kramers problem. In this work we generalize Kramers' rate theory to the case of an environment always out of thermodynamic equilibrium reckoning with non-Markovian effects.