Bulk-mediated diffusion on a planar surface: full solution.

Journal article

We consider the effective surface motion of a particle that intermittently unbinds from a planar surface and performs bulk excursions. Based on a random-walk approach, we derive the diffusion equations for surface and bulk diffusion including the surface-bulk coupling. From these exact dynamic equations, we analytically obtain the propagator of the effective surface motion. This approach allows us to deduce a superdiffusive, Cauchy-type behavior on the surface, together with exact cutoffs limiting the Cauchy form. Moreover, we study the long-time dynamics for the surface motion.

Authors: Chechkin, A; Zaid, I; Lomholt, M; Sokolov, I; Metzler, R

• Journal: Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics
• Volume: 86
• Issue: 4 Pt 1
• Pages: 041101
• Publication date: 2012-10-01
• DOI: 10.1103/physreve.86.041101
• EISSN: 1550-2376
• ISSN: 1539-3755
• Language: English
• Keywords: Algorithms; Fourier Analysis; Biopolymers; Motion; Diffusion; Biophysics; Models, Chemical; Models, Statistical; Solutions; Surface Properties; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy