A dynamical transition of a chain of charged particles in a 2D substrate potential

Abstract

The transport of a chain of charged particles with a transverse degree of freedom is investigated in a 2D asymmetric potential. Here, the energy of the periodic driving force is converted into motion in the vertical direction. The analysis exhibits a transition from stick–slip motion to periodic oscillation. The chain velocity can be controlled to an optimized value by adjusting system parameters, such as the amplitude and frequency of the periodic force. The existence of a resonance platform indicates resonance between the motion of the chain and the periodic force as coupling strength increases adiabatically. The atomic configuration and the transverse degree of freedom also play key roles in the control.