Linear and fractal diffusion coefficients in a family of one dimensional chaotic maps

We analyse deterministic diffusion in a simple, one-dimensional setting consisting of a family of four parameter dependent, chaotic maps defined over the real line. When iterated under these maps, a probability density function spreads out and one can define a diffusion coefficient. We look at how the diffusion coefficient varies across the family of maps and under parameter variation. Using a technique by which Taylor-Green-Kubo formulae are evaluated in terms of generalised Takagi functions, we derive exact, fully analytical expressions for the diffusion coefficients. Typically, for simple maps these quantities are fractal functions of control parameters. However, our family of four maps exhibits both fractal and linear behavior. We explain these different structures by looking at the topology of the Markov partitions and the ergodic properties of the maps.Comment: 21 pages, 19 figure

Capturing correlations in chaotic diffusion by approximation methods

We investigate three different methods for systematically approximating the diffusion coefficient of a deterministic random walk on the line which contains dynamical correlations that change irregularly under parameter variation. Capturing these correlations by incorporating higher order terms, all schemes converge to the analytically exact result. Two of these methods are based on expanding the Taylor-Green-Kubo formula for diffusion, whilst the third method approximates Markov partitions and transition matrices by using the escape rate theory of chaotic diffusion. We check the practicability of the different methods by working them out analytically and numerically for a simple one-dimensional map, study their convergence and critically discuss their usefulness in identifying a possible fractal instability of parameter-dependent diffusion, in case of dynamics where exact results for the diffusion coefficient are not available.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Diffusion in the Lorentz Gas

The Lorentz gas, a point particle making mirror-like reflections from an extended collection of scatterers, has been a useful model of deterministic diffusion and related statistical properties for over a century. This survey summarises recent results, including periodic and aperiodic models, finite and infinite horizon, external fields, smooth or polygonal obstacles, and in the Boltzmann-Grad limit. New results are given for several moving particles and for obstacles with flat points. Finally, a variety of applications are presented.Comment: 28 pages, 5 figure