Electrical Autonomous Brownian Gyrator

Abstract: We study experimentally and theoretically the steady-state dynamics of a simple stochastic electronic system featuring two resistor-capacitor circuits coupled by a third capacitor. The resistors are subject to thermal noises at real temperatures. The voltage fluctuation across each resistor can be compared to a one-dimensional Brownian motion. However, the collective dynamical behavior, when the resistors are subject to distinct thermal baths, is identical to that of a Brownian gyrator, as first proposed by R. Filliger and P. Reimann in Physical Review Letters 99, 230602 (2007). The average gyrating dynamics is originated from the absence of detailed balance due to unequal thermal baths. We look into the details of this stochastic gyrating dynamics, its dependences on the temperature difference and coupling strength, and the mechanism of heat transfer through this simple electronic circuit. Our work affirms the general principle and the possibility of a Brownian ratchet working near room temperature scale.