Fluctuation relations for driven coupled classical two-level systems

TL;DR

This paper explores how fluctuation relations behave in a classical system of two coupled single-electron boxes during non-equilibrium processes, especially when only partial information about entropy production is available.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of fluctuation relations in coupled classical systems with incomplete measurement, revealing case-dependent modifications.

Findings

Fluctuation relations are significantly altered under partial measurement.

The nature of modifications depends on the specific coupling and measurement scenario.

Partial information leads to strong deviations from standard fluctuation relations.

Abstract

We theoretically investigate fluctuation relations in a classical incomplete measurement process where just partial information is available. The scenario we consider consists of two coupled single-electron boxes where one or both devices can undergo a non-equilibrium transformation according to a chosen protocol. The entropy production of only one of the two boxes is recorded and fluctuation relations for this quantity are put to a test, showing strong modifications whose nature depends upon the specific case study.