Time-dependent probability density function for partial resetting dynamics

Abstract

Abstract Stochastic resetting is a rapidly developing topic in the field of stochastic processes and their applications. It denotes the occasional reset of a diffusing particle to its starting point and effects, inter alia, optimal first-passage times to a target. Recently the concept of partial resetting, in which the particle is reset to a given fraction of the current value of the process, has been established and the associated search behaviour analysed. Here we go one step further and we develop a general technique to determine the time-dependent probability density function (PDF) for Markov processes with partial resetting. We obtain an exact representation of the PDF in the case of general symmetric Lévy flights with stable index 0 < α ⩽ 2 . For Cauchy and Brownian motions (i.e. α = 1 , 2 ), this PDF can be expressed in terms of elementary functions in position space. We also determine the stationary PDF. Our numerical analysis of the PDF demonstrates intricate crossover behaviours as function of time.