On the ratchet effect

Abstract

While the dependence of the directed transport on each of the ratchet-controlling parameters has been individually investigated experimentally, theoretically, and numerically, there is still no general criterion to apply to the whole set of these parameters to optimally control directed transport in general systems. We report that, to optimally enhance directed transport, there exists a universal force waveform which can be understood as the result of two competing fundamental mechanisms: the increase of the degree of breaking of symmetries and the decrease of the force impulse. We demonstrate that this universal waveform explains all the previous experimental, theoretical, and numerical results for a great diversity of systems, including motor enzymes.