Optimal finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics
Statistical Mechanics
2009-11-13 v1 Soft Condensed Matter
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. Explicite 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 the end of the process.
Cite
@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0701554,
title = {Optimal finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics},
author = {Tim Schmiedl and Udo Seifert},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0701554},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett