Stochastic Thermodynamics, Reversible Dynamical Systems and Information Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores the extension of stochastic thermodynamics to reversible deterministic systems, deriving trajectory functionals and connecting them to fluctuation relations in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a derivation of stochastic thermodynamics trajectory functionals within reversible deterministic thermostats under local equilibrium assumptions.

Findings

Derivation of trajectory functionals for stochastic thermodynamics in reversible systems

Connection established between fluctuation relations and deterministic thermostats

Highlights role of multiple scales in nonequilibrium measurements

Abstract

Stochastic Thermodynamics (ST) extends the notions of classical thermodynamics to trajectories taken from a nonequilibrium ensemble. This extension yields a simple approach to fluctuation relations in small systems. Multiple time- and length scales play an important role for measurements but also for the foundations of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Here, under the assumptions of local equilibrium we derive the trajectory functionals of ST in the context of reversible deterministic thermostats. Further, the connection to previous work is made.