Diffusion processes with Non-Markovian Transport Coefficients

Abstract

Employing time-dependent projection formalism, a Fokker-Planck equation with non-Markovian transport coefficients is derived for large amplitude collective motion. Properties of transport coefficients for diffusion processes in a potential well and along a potential barrier are discussed, and their connection with the fluctuation-dissipation theorem is investigated. In the case of diffusion in a potential well, the formalism naturally leads to the generalization of the well known Einstein relation by including quantum fluctuations in addition to thermal fluctuations. Furthermore, it is shown that at low temperatures diffusion along potential barrier is significantly modified by quantum fluctuations. Explicit expressions for transport coefficients are presented for the case of the Caldeira-Leggett model.