Jarzynski equality in the context of maximum path entropy

TL;DR

This paper derives the Jarzynski equality from the maximum path entropy principle, emphasizing its broad applicability to various nonequilibrium systems beyond thermodynamics.

Contribution

It provides an alternative derivation of the Jarzynski equality using the maximum path entropy framework, highlighting its generality and potential applications.

Findings

Derivation of Jarzynski equality from maximum path entropy

Applicability of the equality to non-thermodynamical systems

Emphasis on the generality of the result

Abstract

In the global framework of finding an axiomatic derivation of nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics from fundamental principles, such as the maximum path entropy -- also known as Maximum Caliber principle -- , this work proposes an alternative derivation of the well-known Jarzynski equality, a nonequilibrium identity of great importance today due to its applications to irreversible processes: biological systems (protein folding), mechanical systems, among others. This equality relates the free energy differences between two equilibrium thermodynamic states with the work performed when going between those states, through an average over a path ensemble. In this work the analysis of Jarzynski's equality will be performed using the formalism of inference over path space. This derivation highlights the wide generality of Jarzynski's original result, which could even be used in non-thermodynamical settings such as social systems, financial and ecological systems.