The Fluctuation Theorem for Stochastic Systems

TL;DR

This paper extends the Fluctuation Theorem to stochastic nonequilibrium systems, demonstrating its validity beyond deterministic models and confirming it through numerical tests.

Contribution

It proves the Fluctuation Theorem applies to a broader class of stochastic systems, not relying on reversibility or determinism.

Findings

Theorem verified for stochastic systems

Numerical tests support theoretical proof

The theorem's applicability is broader than previously known

Abstract

The Fluctuation Theorem describes the probability ratio of observing trajectories that satisfy or violate the second law of thermodynamics. It has been proved in a number of different ways for thermostatted deterministic nonequilibrium systems. In the present paper we show that the Fluctuation Theorem is also valid for a class of stochastic nonequilibrium systems. The Theorem is therefore not reliant on the reversibility or the determinism of the underlying dynamics. Numerical tests verify the theoretical result.