Mode-coupling theory for purely diffusive systems

Abstract

A mode-coupling formalism is developed for multicomponent systems of particles performing diffusive motion in a uniform host medium. The mode-coupling equations are derived from a set of nonlinear fluctuating diffusion equations by expanding the concentration-dependent diffusion constants about their equilibrium values. From the mode-coupling equations the dominant long time behavior of current-current and super-Burnett correlation functions is derived. As specific applications I consider the long time behaviors of these correlation functions for collective and tracer diffusion in a one-component lattice gas with particle-conserving stochastic dynamics. The results agree with those from exactly solvable models and computer simulations.