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August, 1985 Limit Theorems for Large Deviations and Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Mark Freidlin
Ann. Probab. 13(3): 639-675 (August, 1985). DOI: 10.1214/aop/1176992901

Abstract

The equation $u_t = u_{xx} + u(1 - u)$ is the simplest reaction-diffusion equation. Introduction of a small parameter allows construction of geometric optics approximations for the solutions of such equations; these solutions are approximated by step-functions with the values 0 and 1. The region where the solution is close to 1 propagates according to the Huygens principle for the corresponding velocity field $v(x, e)$ which is calculated via the equation. New effects may emerge, such as stops and jumps of the wave front. The Feynman-Kac formula implies that the solutions of certain Cauchy problems obey some integral equations in the space of trajectories of the corresponding Markov processes. Examination of this equation requires the study of Laplace-type asymptotics for functional integrals. These asymptotics are defined by large deviations for the corresponding family of processes and are expressed through action functionals.

Citation

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Mark Freidlin. "Limit Theorems for Large Deviations and Reaction-Diffusion Equations." Ann. Probab. 13 (3) 639 - 675, August, 1985. https://doi.org/10.1214/aop/1176992901

Information

Published: August, 1985
First available in Project Euclid: 19 April 2007

zbMATH: 0576.60070
MathSciNet: MR799415
Digital Object Identifier: 10.1214/aop/1176992901

Subjects:
Primary: 60J60
Secondary: 35K55

Keywords: large deviation , Nonlinear diffusion , Reaction-diffusion equations , wave fronts

Rights: Copyright © 1985 Institute of Mathematical Statistics

Vol.13 • No. 3 • August, 1985
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