Is it possible to experimentally verify the fluctuation relation? A review of theoretical motivations and numerical evidence

TL;DR

This paper reviews the theoretical reasons for testing the stationary state fluctuation relation experimentally and discusses the challenges faced, supported by numerical simulation evidence.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical motivations and numerical evidence regarding the feasibility of experimental verification of the fluctuation relation.

Findings

Numerical simulations highlight difficulties in experimental tests.

Theoretical motivations support the importance of experimental verification.

Challenges in measurement and control are significant obstacles.

Abstract

The theoretical motivations to perform experimental tests of the stationary state fluctuation relation are reviewed. The difficulties involved in such tests, evidenced by numerical simulations, are also discussed.