Theoretical physics deals with physical models. The main requirements for a good physical
model are simplicity and universality. Universal models which can be applied to describe a …

We study directed energy transport in homogeneous nonlinear extended systems in the
presence of homogeneous ac forces and dissipation. We show that the mechanism …

Directed motion of topological solitons (kinks or antikinks) in the damped and ac-driven
discrete sine-Gordon system is investigated. We show that if the driving field breaks certain …

Inspired by the flashing ratchet, Parrondo's game presents an apparently paradoxical
situation. Parrondo's game consists of two individual games, game A and game B. Game A …

In the preface to his monograph on the structure of Evolutionary Theory [1], the late professor
Stephen Jay Gould attributes to the philosopher Immanuel Kant the following aphorism in …

Transport phenomena in a one-dimensional system of interacting particles is studied. This
system is embedded in a periodic and left-right asymmetric potential driven by a force …

In the absence of thermal fluctuations and other external forces, a single particle will be
pinned at the bottom of a flashing ratchet potential under the overdamped condition …

We study the directed transport of commensurate and incommensurate modulated phases of
the Frenkel–Kontorova model by (parametric driving) periodic pulsed variation of the nearest …

We revisit the issue of directed motion induced by zero average forces in extended systems
driven by ac forces. It has been shown recently that a directed energy current appears if the …

We consider a generalized one-dimensional chain in a periodic potential (the Frenkel–
Kontorova model), with dissipative, pulsating (or ratchet) dynamics as a model of transport …