Stochastic Thermodynamics

This book introduces stochastic thermodynamics, including fluctuation theorems and the thermodynamic uncertainty relation with representative applications. It is essential reading for graduate students and researchers from physics and physical chemistry with an interest in non-equilibrium phenomena.

Stochastic thermodynamics has emerged as a comprehensive theoretical framework for a large class of non-equilibrium systems including molecular motors, biochemical reaction networks, colloidal particles in time-dependent laser traps, and bio-polymers under external forces. This book introduces the topic in a systematic way, beginning with a dynamical perspective on equilibrium statistical physics. Key concepts like the identification of work, heat and entropy production along individual stochastic trajectories are then developed and shown to obey various fluctuation relations beyond the well-established linear response regime. Representative applications are then discussed, including simple models of molecular motors, small chemical reaction networks, active particles, stochastic heat engines and information machines involving Maxwell demons. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers of physics, biophysics, and physical chemistry, with an interest in non-equilibrium phenomena.