Optimal transition path time of run-and-tumble particles with stochastic resetting

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Authors: Anonymous, Zhanqing Wang, Yong Xu
Cited by: 1
References: 60

Abstract

We present a semianalytical method based on the backward master equation to find the optimal transition path time (TPT) of self-propelled run-and-tumble particles (RTPs) under stochastic resetting. The particle moves in a one-dimensional transition region [x_{A},x_{B}] with two absorbing boundaries. It resets at rate γ to position x_{R}. Upon each resetting event, the particle either reverses its velocity direction with probability η∈[0,1] or retains it with probability 1-η. From the backward master equation we derive exact analytical results for the splitting probability, the mean TPT, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of the TPT distribution. A semianalytical solution for the optimal TPT is also obtained. The mean TPT depends nonmonotonically on γ, α, and η, reaching a minimum at optimal parameter values. For large transition regions, resetting the particle to its initial position can accelerate escape compared with reset-free dynamics. In the strong-resetting limit for η>0 when x_{R}=x_{A}, the probabilistic reversal upon resetting effectively replaces natural tumbling. The asymptotic TPT then becomes independent of the tumbling rate α and reduces to the ballistic traversal time L/v. A speed-reliability trade-off emerges: the parameters that minimize the mean TPT do not generally minimize the CV. Efficient search requires balancing a short mean TPT against high predictability.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Diffusion and Search Dynamics stochastic dynamics and bifurcation Micro and Nano Robotics

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical review. E
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
114
Issue
2
Pages
024120–024120
Publication date
16 July 2026
Language
EN