Abstract
We formulate the problem of diffusion-decay processes occurring in two half-spaces separated by a boundary (a one-dimensional problem). The equations are solved by Laplace transforms, by finite differences, and by a Greens-function technique. The inverse Laplace transform integrals are evaluated numerically and agree with the finite-difference calculations. Thus each may be regarded as accurate. Late-time asymptotic approximations are derived from the Laplace representation, and early-time approximations are derived from the Greens-function representation. These are compared with the numerical integration and finite-difference results. We also introduce a method for modeling the processes by random walks, which treats the complications introduced by the presence of the boundary. All of the above-noted calculational methods are compared. It is especially important that the asymptotic approximations are accurate in their domain of validity, as they allow us to introduce a physical picture regarding the competition of diffusive and decay processes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 735-748 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Physical Review A |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics