Non-Gaussian normal diffusion induced by delocalization.

Abstract

Non-Gaussian normal diffusion, i.e., the probability density function (PDF) is non-Gaussian but the mean squared displacement (MSD) depends on time linearly, has been observed in particle motions. Here we show by numerical simulations that this phenomenon may manifest itself in energy diffusion along a lattice at a nonzero, finite temperature. The studied model is a one-dimensional disordered lattice with on-site potential. We find that the energy density fluctuations are spatially localized if the nonlinear interaction is suppressed, but may spread with a non-Gaussian PDF and a linear time-dependent MSD when the nonlinear interaction is turned on. Our analysis suggests that the mechanism lies in the delocalization properties of the localized modes.