Work fluctuations and stochastic resonance

Abstract

We study Brownian particle motion in a double-well potential driven by an ac force. This system exhibits the phenomenon of stochastic resonance. Distribution of work done on the system over a drive period in the time asymptotic regime has been calculated. We show that fluctuations in the input energy or work done dominate the mean value. The mean value of work done over a period as a function of noise strength can also be used to characterize stochastic resonance in the system. We also discuss the validity of steady state fluctuation theorems in this particular system.