Environment-dependent transport in multiple asymmetric well potentials

The classical transport of particles in multiple asymmetric well potentials is studied through numerical integration of equations of motion. The problem considered is an one-particle system in a multiple asymmetric well potential coupled to harmonic oscillators (the environment) and subjected to an external time-dependent field. Energy flow between system and oscillators is discussed and the transport is analyzed as a function of coupling strength and number of oscillators. It is shown that by increasing the coupling strength or the number of oscillators, the transport process can be destroyed.