Large Deviation Theory and Thermodynamics

Statistical Physics and Complexity Group meeting

Large Deviation Theory and Thermodynamics

  • Event time: 11:30am
  • Event date: 21st March 2012
  • Speaker: Philip Greulich (Formerly School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

A Large Deviation Principle is said to be valid for a stochastic variable, if the logarithm of its probability distribution is extensive in the system size. In that case, equivalents to the equilibrium entropy and thermodynamic potentials can be found also for non-equilibrium systems, and many relations of equilibrium thermodynamics retain its validity in non-equilibrium. In the case of finite range correlations, A 'zeroth law of thermodynamics' with equilibrated intensive thermodynamic variables (temperature, pressure, chemical potential) can be formulated for two (non-equilibrium) systems in contact that exchange a globally conserved quantity (energy, volume, particle number). This can be relevant for open non-equilibrium systems connected to a particle reservoir.