Stationary probability flow and vortices for the Smoluchowski–Feynman ratchet

Smoluchowski–Feynman ratchet is in contact with two heat reservoirs with different temperatures. We study the non-equilibrium stationary state with a ratchet rotating unidirectionally, based on the probability flow field, which are obtained either by solving the Fokker–Planck equation (with no inertial effect) or by computer simulations (with an inertial effect). Vortex pattern in the probability flow is found, whose sense of rotation, on the one hand, is determined by a simple thermodynamic argument and, on the other hand, determines rotational direction of the ratchet. Small efficiency of the ratchet is also discussed within this vortex framework.