Large deviation function for the entropy production: Optimal trajectory and role of fluctuations
Statistical Mechanics
2013-01-21 v1
Abstract
We study the large deviation function for the entropy production rate in two driven one-dimensional systems: the asymmetric random walk on a discrete lattice and Brownian motion in a continuous periodic potential. We compare two approaches: the Donsker-Varadhan theory and the Freidlin-Wentzell theory. We show that the wings of the large deviation function are dominated by a single optimal trajectory: either in forward (positive rate) or in backward direction (negative rate). The joining of both branches at zero entropy production implies a non-differentiability and thus the appearance of a "kink". However, around zero entropy production many trajectories contribute and thus the kink is smeared out.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1210.3042,
title = {Large deviation function for the entropy production: Optimal trajectory and role of fluctuations},
author = {Thomas Speck and Andreas Engel and Udo Seifert},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1210.3042},
year = {2013}
}