Symmetry Breaking Instabilities in Illuminated Systems.
Abstract
Chemically non-reactive and reactive systems (closed and homogeneous) are shown to become unstable to inhomogeneous perturbations beyond given critical intensities of uniform illumination, so that macroscopic inhomogeneities, spatial patterns, arise. The authors classify symmetry-breaking instabilities into two types, one in which the characteristic length of the developing spatial pattern is determined by the dimensions of the system, and the other in which that characteristic length is determined by the dynamics of the system (reaction rates and transport relations). A variety of non-linear systems are analyzed by means of a linear stability analysis, including an illuminated, isothermal, isobaric, two species system, and a two-component non-reactive illuminated gaseous system in which diffusion, thermal conduction and thermal diffusion may occur. Pressure fluctuations are considered in an analysis of a one-component system under steady illumination at a wavelength which is absorbed by the molecules and then converted into heat. Such a system may generate and amplify sound waves. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0780916
Entities
People
- Abraham Nitzan
- John Ross
- Peter Ortoleva
Organizations
- Purdue University