Multitime correlation functions for single molecule kinetics with fluctuating bottlenecks

Stochastic trajectories in single molecule kinetics coupled to several Gaussian Markovian coordinates are analyzed using a generating function obtained by solving the multidimensional Smoluchowski equation. Multitime correlation functions are computed and used to identify direct signatures of non-Poissonian kinetics resulting from coupling to slow coordinates. Effects of various degrees of correlation between collective coordinates with multiple time scales are studied. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.