subdiffusiegedrag

Subdiffusiegedrag refers to anomalous diffusion processes where the mean squared displacement of particles grows sublinearly with time, typically as $ \langle x^2(t) \rangle \sim t^\alpha $ with $ \alpha < 1 $. This behavior is observed in a variety of complex systems, deviating from the classic Brownian motion where $ \alpha = 1 $.

Common physical systems exhibiting subdiffusion include crowded environments, porous media, and biological systems like the cytoplasm of cells. In these scenarios, particles are often hindered by obstacles, traps, or exhibit intermittent motion, leading to a slower spread than predicted by standard diffusion.

Mathematical models used to describe subdiffusion include the fractional Brownian motion and the continuous time random walk (CTRW) model. The CTRW model, in particular, assumes that particles remain at fixed positions for a duration drawn from a probability distribution with a long tail, meaning there is a non-negligible probability of long waiting times.

Experimental techniques for observing subdiffusion involve tracking the trajectories of individual particles, such as fluorescently labeled molecules or colloidal particles, using microscopy. Analyzing the time dependence of their mean squared displacement allows researchers to identify the presence and quantify the degree of subdiffusion. The understanding of subdiffusion is crucial for fields ranging from materials science to biophysics, as it impacts transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, and biological processes.