title: Optimal finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics.
abstract: For a small system like a colloidal particle or a single biomolecule embedded in a heat bath, the optimal protocol of an external control parameter minimizes the mean work required to drive the system from one given equilibrium state to another in a finite time. In general, this optimal protocol obeys an integro-differential equation. Explicit solutions both for a moving laser trap and a time-dependent strength of such a trap show finite jumps of the optimal protocol to be typical both at the beginning and at the end of the process.
authors.affiliation: II. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schmiedl
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Seifert
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003102:Colloids; D015233:Models, Statistical; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013816:Thermodynamics; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids