Coupled Brownian motors: Anomalous hysteresis and zero-bias negative conductance

Abstract

We introduce a model of interacting Brownian particles in a symmetric, periodic potential that undergoes a noise-induced non-equilibrium phase transition. The associated spontaneous symmetry breaking entails a ratchet-like transport mechanism. In response to an external force we identify several novel features; among the most prominent being a aero-bias negative conductance and a prima facie counterintuitive, anomalous hysteresis.