In this paper we show that diffusion processes in a ‘‘complex’’ phase space with many local minima can be mapped into a random-walk problem on a tree structure. We then rigorously solve the latter problem for regular trees, under quite general assumptions about the rates. Finally, we extend our results to the case of inhomogeneous trees.

• Received 16 February 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.38.4261