Test of the fluctuation theorem for stochastic entropy production in a nonequilibrium steady state

TL;DR

This paper derives an analytical expression for entropy production in a nonequilibrium steady state and verifies the fluctuation theorem through numerical simulations, illustrating key principles of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.

Contribution

The paper provides a simple analytical formula for entropy production in a stochastic system and empirically tests the fluctuation theorem predictions.

Findings

Analytical expression for entropy production derived

Numerical simulations confirm fluctuation theorem predictions

Illustrates practical implications of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Abstract

We derive a simple closed analytical expression for the total entropy production along a single stochastic trajectory of a Brownian particle diffusing on a periodic potential under an external constant force. By numerical simulations we compute the probability distribution functions of the entropy and satisfactorily test many of the predictions based on Seifert's integral fluctuation theorem. The results presented for this simple model clearly illustrate the practical features and implications derived from such a result of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.