Statistical Physics of Random Searches
نویسندگان
چکیده
We apply the theory of random walks to quantitatively describe the general problem of how to search eÆciently for randomly located objects that can only be detected in the limited vicinity of a searcher who typically has a nite degree of \free will" to move and search at will. We illustrate L evy ight search processes by comparison to Brownian random walks and discuss experimental observations of L evy ights in the special case of biological organisms that search for food sites. We review recent ndings indicating that an inverse square probability density distribution P (`) ` 2 of step lengths ` can lead to optimal searches. Finally we survey the explanations put forth to account for these surprising ndings.
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تاریخ انتشار 2001