Christopher Jarzynski – University of Maryland
Wednesday, August 14th, 10:45AM EDT
Fluctuation theorems for autonomous work
In stochastic thermodynamics, fluctuation theorems for the work performed on a system of interest have been derived within a non-autonomous paradigm, in which a parameter (such as a piston's position) is varied according to an externally imposed schedule. I will derive analogous fluctuation theorems within an autonomous paradigm, in which the externally manipulated parameter is replaced by a physical body, or "work source", with which the system of interest exchanges energy. The work source evolves dynamically, and experiences back-action as it interacts with the system of interest. This back-action introduces a new term into the autonomous fluctuation theorem, and into the corresponding second-law inequality. In the limit of a work source with infinite inertia, the back-action vanishes and the usual (non-autonomous) fluctuation theorem and second law are recovered.