Effects of symmetrical potential on particle transport in the presence of a periodic channel

In this paper, we aim to investigate influences of an asymmetrical potential on particle transport in the presence of a periodic channel by calculating particle current and effective diffusion coefficient. First, influences of external force on transport behaviors are researched. Results reveal that with the increase of the external force, particle current increases, and the effective diffusion coefficient decreases first and then increases. That is, large external forces can promote the movement of particles. Second, influences of potential asymmetry and amplitude on particle transport are studied. These two factors have a more complex mechanism of influence on particle transport. For example, an increase of positive amplitude value leads to a decrease of particle current, while a negative value makes particle current increase first and then decreases. In other words, the effect of amplitude depends on its sign and value. For positive amplitude, the larger its value is, the greater the suppression effect on particle transport. While for negative amplitude, as its value increases, it promotes particle transport. When its value increased to a certain extent, the effect of the amplitude on the particle motion changes from promotion to suppression. For asymmetry, it can promote particle transport for positive amplitude while suppress the transport for negative amplitude. These results can provide some bases for understanding biological systems and controlling particle transport.