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. © 2012 American Physical Society.

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

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: PHYSICAL REVIEW E
• Volume: 86
• Issue: 4
• Publication date: 2012-10-01
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.86.041101
• EISSN: 1550-2376
• ISSN: 1539-3755
• Language: English