Saddle-point approximation in statistical physics, part II

Statistical Physics and Complexity Group meeting

Saddle-point approximation in statistical physics, part II

  • Event time: 11:30am
  • Event date: 20th February 2013
  • Speaker: Juraj Szavits Nossan (Formerly School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

After reviewing large deviations principle and the method for computing rate function via moment-generating function (Gartner-Ellis theorem), I will use this framework to give a view on statistical physics that is usually omitted in textbooks. Finally, I will explore few interesting examples when this approach fails leading to phenomena as different as negative heat capacity in systems with long-range interactions, real-space condensation far from equilibrium and insolvency of an insurance company caused by a large claim.