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Phase transition in one-dimensional random walk with partially reflecting boundaries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2016

Ora E. Percus*
Affiliation:
Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
*
Postal address: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, 251 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012, USA.

Abstract

We consider an asymmetric random walk, with one or two boundaries, on a one-dimensional lattice. At the boundaries, the walker is either absorbed (with probability 1–ρ) or reflects back to the system (with probability p).

The probability distribution (Pn(m)) of being at position m after n steps is obtained, as well as the mean number of steps before absorption. In the one-boundary case, several qualitatively different asymptotic forms of Pn(m) result, depending on the relationship between transition probability and the reflection probability.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Applied Probability Trust 1985 

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References

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