Targeted Energy Transfer through Discrete Breathers in Nonlinear Systems

Abstract

We propose a simple, novel mechanism for inducing highly selective and efficient energy transfer and focusing in certain discrete nonlinear systems. Under a precise condition of nonlinear resonance, when a specific amount of energy is injected as a discrete breather at a donor system, it can be transferred as a discrete breather to another weakly coupled acceptor system. This general mechanism could be relevant for energy transfer in bioenergetics and electron transfer in chemical reactions and could be used for engineering functional materials and devices.