The hysteresis loop area of a diffusive system in a sinusoidally driven potential is studied. Asymptotic expansions of the hysteresis loop area are constructed in the high and low driving frequency limits. Kramers’ approximation is used to construct a simplified expansion in the limit of both low driving frequency and low temperature. The driving force is never assumed to be small.

• Received 5 May 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.52.2473