Reaction probability for sequential separatrix crossings

Abstract

The change of the crossing parameter (essentially the phase) between sequential slow separatrix crossings is calculated for Hamiltonian systems with one degree of freedom. Combined with the previous separatrix crossing analysis, these results reduce the dynamics of adiabatic systems with separatrices to a map. This map determines whether a trajectory leaving a given separatrix lobe is ultimately captured by the other lobe. Averaging these results over initial phase yields the reaction probability, which does not asymptote to the fully phase-mixed result even for arbitrarily long times between separatrix crossings.