Busemann functions and the speed of a second class particle in the rarefaction fan

Abstract

In this paper we will show how the results found in [Probab. Theory Related Fields 154 (2012) 89–125], about the Busemann functions in last-passage percolation, can be used to calculate the asymptotic distribution of the speed of a single second class particle starting from an arbitrary deterministic configuration which has a rarefaction fan, in either the totally asymetric exclusion process or the Hammersley interacting particle process. The method will be to use the well-known last-passage percolation description of the exclusion process and of the Hammersley process, and then the well-known connection between second class particles and competition interfaces.