Diffusion in inhomogeneous media

The problem is to establish the correct diffusion equation in a medium that is inhomogeneous and whose temperature also varies in space. As a special model we study particles whose phase space distribution obeys Kramers' equation with a generalized collision operator. In the usual limit of strong collisions a diffusion equation is obtained. This equation contains additional drift terms, which depend on the form of the collision operator. They cannot be expressed as a mobility and a diffusion coefficient, unless the decay law of the velocity happens to be linear. Conclusion: no universal form of the diffusion equation exists, but each system has to be studied individually.Dedicated to Professor Harry Thomas on the occasion of his 60th birthday