Work fluctuation theorems for harmonic oscillators

TL;DR

This paper investigates work fluctuation theorems for harmonic oscillators driven out of equilibrium, providing experimental and theoretical insights into transient and stationary states, with novel findings on finite time corrections and periodic forcing effects.

Contribution

It extends fluctuation theorem analysis to second order Langevin dynamics and explores the effects of periodic forcing on work fluctuations.

Findings

Both transient and stationary fluctuation theorems hold for the oscillator.

Finite time corrections differ significantly from first order Langevin models.

Periodic forcing shows unexpected short time convergence behaviors.

Abstract

The work fluctuations of an oscillator in contact with a thermostat and driven out of equilibrium by an external force are studied experimentally and theoretically within the context of Fluctuation Theorems (FTs). The oscillator dynamics is modeled by a second order Langevin equation. Both the transient and stationary state fluctuation theorems hold and the finite time corrections are very different from those of a first order Langevin equation. The periodic forcing of the oscillator is also studied; it presents new and unexpected short time convergences. Analytical expressions are given in all cases.