Subordinated diffusion and continuous time random walk asymptotics

Anomalous transport is usually described either by models of continuous time random walks (CTRWs) or, otherwise, by fractional Fokker-Planck equations (FFPEs). The asymptotic relation between properly scaled CTRW and fractional diffusion process has been worked out via various approaches widely discussed in literature. Here, we focus on a correspondence between CTRWs and time and space fractional diffusion equation stemming from two different methods aimed to accurately approximate anomalous diffusion processes. One of them is the Monte Carlo simulation of uncoupled CTRW with a Le?vy α-stable distribution of jumps in space and a one-parameter Mittag-Leffler distribution of waiting times. The other is based on a discretized form of a subordinated Langevin equation in which the physical time defined via the number of subsequent steps of motion is itself a random variable. Both approaches are tested for their numerical performance and verified with known analytical solutions for the Green function of a space-time fractional diffusion equation. The comparison demonstrates a trade off between precision of constructed solutions and computational costs. The method based on the subordinated Langevin equation leads to a higher accuracy of results, while the CTRW framework with a Mittag-Leffler distribution of waiting times provides efficiently an approximate fundamental solution to the FFPE and converges to the probability density function of the subordinated process in a long-time limit.     

Fractional diffusion in the multiple-trapping regime and revision of the equivalence with the continuous-time random walk

We investigate the macroscopic diffusion of carriers in the multiple-trapping (MT) regime, in relation with electron transport in nanoscaled heterogeneous systems, and we describe the differences, as well as the similarities, between MT and the continuous-time random walk (CTRW). Diffusion of free carriers in MT can be expressed as a generalized continuity equation based on fractional time derivatives, while the CTRW model for diffusive transport generalizes the constitutive equation for the carrier flux.     

Use and abuse of a fractional Fokker-Planck dynamics for time-dependent driving

We investigate a subdiffusive, fractional Fokker-Planck dynamics occurring in time-varying potential landscapes and thereby disclose the failure of the fractional Fokker-Planck equation (FFPE) in its commonly used form when generalized in an ad hoc manner to time-dependent forces. A modified FFPE (MFFPE) is rigorously derived, being valid for a family of dichotomously alternating force fields. This MFFPE is numerically validated for a rectangular time-dependent force with zero average bias. For this case, subdiffusion is shown to become enhanced as compared to the force free case. We question, however, the existence of any physically valid FFPE for arbitrary varying time-dependent fields that differ from this dichotomous varying family.     

Fractional Dynamics at Multiple Times

A continuous time random walk (CTRW) imposes a random waiting time between random particle jumps. CTRW limit densities solve a fractional Fokker-Planck equation, but since the CTRW limit is not Markovian, this is not sufficient to characterize the process. This paper applies continuum renewal theory to restore the Markov property on an expanded state space, and compute the joint CTRW limit density at multiple times.     

On Hilfer's objection to the fractional time diffusion equation

Hilfer [Physica A 329 (2003) 35] claims to give an example of a continuous time random walk (CTRW) model with long-tailed waiting time probability density that approaches a Gaussian behavior in the continuum limit. Rigorous limit theorems, derived previously, show however that in the limit of long-time such a CTRW converges to a non-Gaussian behavior. We discuss two types of continuum limits for the CTRW model: the fractional continuum limit and the one introduced by Hilfer. We show that the fractional limit yields the correct long-time behavior of the CTRW, while Hilfer's continuum limit does not. We discuss a general approach to find a continuum limit of the CTRW process.     

Non-linear continuous time random walk models

A standard assumption of continuous time random walk (CTRW) processes is that there are no interactions between the random walkers, such that we obtain the celebrated linear fractional equation either for the probability density function of the walker at a certain position and time, or the mean number of walkers. The question arises how one can extend this equation to the non-linear case, where the random walkers interact. The aim of this work is to take into account this interaction under a mean-field approximation where the statistical properties of the random walker depend on the mean number of walkers. The implementation of these non-linear effects within the CTRW integral equations or fractional equations poses difficulties, leading to the alternative methodology we present in this work. We are concerned with non-linear effects which may either inhibit anomalous effects or induce them where they otherwise would not arise. Inhibition of these effects corresponds to a decrease in the waiting times of the random walkers, be this due to overcrowding, competition between walkers or an inherent carrying capacity of the system. Conversely, induced anomalous effects present longer waiting times and are consistent with symbiotic, collaborative or social walkers, or indirect pinpointing of favourable regions by their attractiveness.     

Generalized Einstein relation and the Metzler-Klafter conjecture in a composite-subdiffusive regime

In this paper, a generalized diffusion model driven by the composite-subdiffusive fractional Brownian motion (FBM) is employed. Based on this stochastic process, we derive a fractional Fokker-Planck equation (FFPE) and obtain its solution. It is proved that the Generalized Einstein Relation (GER) and the Metzler and Klafter conjecture on the asymptotic behavior of stretched Gaussian hold the FFPE in a composite-subdiffusive regime.     

Mean first passage time for a class of non-Markovian processes

We determine the probability distribution of the first passage time for a class of non-Markovian processes. This class contains, amongst others, the well-known continuous time random walk (CTRW), which is able to account for many properties of anomalous diffusion processes. In particular, we obtain the mean first passage time for CTRW processes with truncated power-law transition time distribution. Our treatment is based on the fact that the solutions of the non-Markovian master equation can be obtained via an integral transform from a Markovian Langevin process.     

Fractional Langevin equation and Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative

In this present work we consider a fractional Langevin equation with Riemann-Liouville fractional time derivative which modifies the classical Newtonian force, nonlocal dissipative force, and long-time correlation. We investigate the first two moments, variances and position and velocity correlation functions of this system. We also compare them with the results obtained from the same fractional Langevin equation which uses the Caputo fractional derivative.     

Elliptic random-walk equation for suspension and tracer transport in porous media

We propose a new approach to transport of the suspensions and tracers in porous media. The approach is based on a modified version of the continuous time random walk (CTRW) theory. In the framework of this theory we derive an elliptic transport equation. The new equation contains the time and the mixed dispersion terms expressing the dispersion of the particle time steps. The properties of the new equation are studied and the fundamental analytical solutions are obtained. The solution of the pulse injection problem describing a common tracer injection experiment is studied in greater detail. The new theory predicts delay of the maximum of the tracer, compared to the velocity of the flow, while its forward “tail” contains much more particles than in the solution of the classical parabolic (advection-dispersion) equation. This is in agreement with the experimental observations and predictions of the CTRW theory.     

Fox function representation of non-debye relaxation processes

Applying the Liouville-Riemann fractional calculus, we derive and solve a fractional operator relaxation equation. We demonstrate how the exponent of the asymptotic power law decay t ^– relates to the order of the fractional operatord ^v/dt ^v (0<<1). Continuous-time random walk (CTRW) models offer a physical interpretation of fractional order equations, and thus we point out a connection between a special type of CTRW and our fractional relaxation model. Exact analytical solutions of the fractional relaxation equation are obtained in terms of Fox functions by using Laplace and Mellin transforms. Apart from fractional relaxation, Fox functions are further used to calculate Fourier integrals of Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts type relaxation functions. Because of its close connection to integral transforms, the rich class of Fox functions forms a suitable framework for discussing slow relaxation phenomena.     

具有无规分布陷阱点阵上的连续时间无规行走

用连续时间无规行走(CTRW)理论处理陷阱控制的无序点阵上的无规行走问题,首次导出行走者可有自发衰变及受陷态具有有限寿命情形下,行走者存活几率P(t)满足的方程。对一种广泛使用的等待时间分布密度ψ(t)=ααt^-(1-α)exp(-αt^α)0<α≤1,在受陷态寿命无限长情况下,给出适用于任意陷阱浓度和任意时间的P(t)的级数解。结合实验事实和Ngai的低能激发理论,指出同时考虑动力学关联和结构无序对解释实际过程的必要性。并提出包括可由Ngai低能激发理论描写的动力学关联在内的连续时间无规行走理论,其物理图象与目前的CTRW理论有根本不同。 关键词：     

Fractional Fokker-Planck equations for subdiffusion with space- and time-dependent forces

We derive a fractional Fokker-Planck equation for subdiffusion in a general space- and time-dependent force field from power law waiting time continuous time random walks biased by Boltzmann weights. The governing equation is derived from a generalized master equation and is shown to be equivalent to a subordinated stochastic Langevin equation.     

Stochastic Resonance in a Linear Fractional Langevin Equation

The fractional Langevin equation is derived from the generalized Langevin equation driven by the additive fractional Gaussian noise. We investigate the stochastic resonance (SR) phenomenon in the underdamped linear fractional Langevin equation under the external periodic force and multiplicative symmetric dichotomous noise. Applying the Shapiro-Loginov formula and the Laplace transform technique, we obtain the exact expressions of the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the system. By studying the impacts of the driving frequency and the noise parameters, we find the non-monotonic behaviors of the output amplitude and SNR. The results indicate that the bona fide SR, conventional SR and the wide sense of SR phenomena occur in the proposed linear fractional system.     

The CTRW in finance: Direct and inverse problems with some generalizations and extensions

We study financial distributions within the framework of the continuous time random walk (CTRW). We review earlier approaches and present new results related to overnight effects as well as the generalization of the formalism which embodies a non-Markovian formulation of the CTRW aimed to account for correlated increments of the return.     

Fractional generalized Langevin equation approach to single-file diffusion

Fractional generalized Langevin equation with external force is used to model single-file diffusion. It is found that for external force that varies with power law the solution for such a fractional Langevin equation gives the correct short and long time behavior for the mean square displacement of single-file diffusion when appropriate choice of parameters associated with fractional generalized Langevin equation are used. By considering some special cases of the fractional generalized Langevin equation, a new class of closed analytic expressions for the mean square displacement of single-file diffusion can be obtained. The effective Fokker-Planck equation associated with single-file diffusion is briefly considered.     

Residence Time Statistics for Normal and Fractional Diffusion in a Force Field

We investigate statistics of occupation times for an over-damped Brownian particle in an external force field, using a backward Fokker–Planck equation introduced by Majumdar and Comtet. For an arbitrary potential field the distribution of occupation times is expressed in terms of solutions of the corresponding first passage time problem. This general relationship between occupation times and first passage times, is valid for normal Markovian diffusion and for non-Markovian sub-diffusion, the latter modeled using the fractional Fokker–Planck equation. For binding potential fields we find in the long time limit ergodic behavior for normal diffusion, while for the fractional framework weak ergodicity breaking is found, in agreement with previous results of Bel and Barkai on the continuous time random walk on a lattice. For non-binding cases, rich physical behaviors are obtained, and classification of occupation time statistics is made possible according to whether or not the underlying random walk is recurrent and the averaged first return time to the origin is finite. Our work establishes a link between fractional calculus and ergodicity breaking.     

Migration and proliferation dichotomy in tumor-cell invasion

We propose a two-component reaction-transport model for the migration-proliferation dichotomy in the spreading of tumor cells. By using a continuous time random walk (CTRW), we formulate a system of the balance equations for the cancer cells of two phenotypes with random switching between cell proliferation and migration. The transport process is formulated in terms of the CTRW with an arbitrary waiting-time distribution law. Proliferation is modeled by a standard logistic growth. We apply hyperbolic scaling and Hamilton-Jacobi formalism to determine the overall rate of tumor cell invasion. In particular, we take into account both normal diffusion and anomalous transport (subdiffusion) in order to show that the standard diffusion approximation for migration leads to overestimation of the overall cancer spreading rate.     

Crank–Nicolson method for the fractional diffusion equation with the Riesz fractional derivative

We examine a numerical method to approximate to a fractional diffusion equation with the Riesz fractional derivative in a finite domain, which has second order accuracy in time and space level. In order to approximate the Riesz fractional derivative, we use the “fractional centered derivative” approach. We determine the error of the Riesz fractional derivative to the fractional centered difference. We apply the Crank–Nicolson method to a fractional diffusion equation which has the Riesz fractional derivative, and obtain that the method is unconditionally stable and convergent. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the accuracy of the Crank–Nicolson method for the fractional diffusion equation with using fractional centered difference approach.