Fluctuation theorem for stochastic systems.
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.
Searles
D J
DJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Evans
D J
DJ