Closed-form multi-dimensional solutions and asymptotic behaviors for subdiffusive processes with crossovers: I. Retarding case

Abstract

Numerous anomalous diffusion processes are characterized by crossovers of the scaling exponent in the mean squared displacement at some correlations time. The bi-fractional diffusion equation containing two time-fractional derivatives is a versatile mathematical tool describing specifically retarded subdiffusive transport, in which the scaling exponents acquires a smaller value, i.e., the diffusion becomes even slower after the crossover. We here derive closed-form multi-dimensional solutions for this integro-differential equation in n spatial dimensions by generalizing the classical Schneider-Wyss solution of the fractional diffusion equation with a single fractional derivative. In the two-dimensional case we develop a limiting approach based on the solution of the space-time fractional diffusion equation. The probabilistic interpretation in higher dimensions is discussed. The asymptotic long- and short-time behaviors are derived. It is shown that the solution of the bi-fractional diffusion equation can be interpreted in terms of the Fox H-transform of the Gaussian distribution.