One-shot information-theoretical approaches to fluctuation theorems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach combining one-shot information theory with fluctuation theorems to better understand small, fast-evolving thermodynamic systems far from equilibrium.

Contribution

It presents a new framework integrating one-shot Rènyi entropies into fluctuation theorems for non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

Findings

Bridges one-shot information theory with fluctuation theorems.

Provides tools for analyzing small, rapidly evolving systems.

Enhances understanding of thermodynamics beyond mean-value descriptions.

Abstract

Traditional thermodynamics governs the behaviour of large systems that evolve between states of thermal equilibrium. For these large systems, the mean values of thermodynamic quantities (such as work, heat and entropy) provide a good characterisation of the process. Conversely, there is ever-increasing interest in the thermal behaviour of systems that evolve quickly and far from equilibrium, and that are too small for their behaviour to be well-described by mean values. Two major fields of modern thermodynamics seek to tackle such systems: non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and the nascent field of one-shot statistical mechanics. The former provides tools such as fluctuation theorems, whereas the latter applies "one-shot" R\'enyi entropies to thermal contexts. In this chapter to the upcoming book "Thermodynamics in the quantum regime - Recent progress and outlook" (Springer International Publishing), I provide a gentle introduction to recent research that draws from both fields: the application of one-shot information theory to fluctuation theorems.