English

Large deviations, condensation, and giant response in a statistical system

Statistical Mechanics 2016-04-29 v2

Abstract

We study the probability distribution PP of the sum of a large number of non-identically distributed random variables nmn_m. Condensation of fluctuations, the phenomenon whereby one of such variables provides a macroscopic contribution to the global probability, is discussed and interpreted in analogy to phase-transitions in Statistical Mechanics. A general expression for PP is derived, and its sensitivity to the details of the distribution of a single nmn_m is worked out. These general results are verified by the analytical and numerical solution of some specific examples.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1505.01025,
  title  = {Large deviations, condensation, and giant response in a statistical system},
  author = {Federico Corberi},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1505.01025},
  year   = {2016}
}

Comments

New improved and extended version (12 pages, 4 figures) with more references and additional discussions. To appear in J. Phys. A: Math. Theor

R2 v1 2026-06-22T09:28:25.315Z