Karl Franzens University Graz
Graz University of Technology
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Karl Franzens University Graz | Graz University of Technology | |
Irreversibility and non-equilibrium fluctuations at the nanoscale Fluctuation theorems and non-equilibrium work relations, exact result that characterize the fluctuations of heat, work and entropy in non-equilibrium processes, have significantly improved our understanding of how the Second Law of Thermodynamics operates at the nanoscale. Here, we apply this framework to investigate the fluctuations in relative entropy production for the relaxation of a laser-trapped nanoparticle from a non-equilibrium steady state towards equilibrium [1,2]. Because of the low damping, the dynamics of this nanomechanical system can be precisely controlled and the oscillator can be cooled by parametric feedback. Based on the steady state distribution, which is determined analytically based on the equations of motion of the system, we determine the change of relative entropy observed after the feedback has been switched off. The statistics of heat transfer measured in repeated relaxation experiments obeys a fluctuation theorem derived for this particular situation. I will discuss the relevance of our work for the study of transitions between arbitrary non-equilibrium steady states. |