Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics of Small Systems Fluctuation Relations and Beyond

Condensed matter physics is full of examples where nonequilibrium fluctuations of mesoscopic regions govern the nonequilibrium behavior that is observed at the macroscopic level. Prominent examples of small systems are biopolymers, molecular motors, nanopores, and even single molecules moving in optical traps. A class of systems that have attracted a lot of attention for many decades and that still remain poorly understood are glassy systems, such as supercooled liquids and soft material. Understanding the statistical physical properties of such systems is particularly challenging, because the small size of these systems does not allow applying standard methods. This reference presents a collection of the diverse ideas that have been developed in the past 20 years. Although the results obtained on the subjects of nonequilibrium phenomena and nano-sciences are important, the fact that they are not understood within a unitary framework somehow hinders their applicability and further delevopment. This book constitutes the first step towards a comprehensive picture of nonequilibrium phenomena at the mesoscopic scales. The aim of this book is to provide an introduction to scientists and engineers in nano-and biotechnologies who are concerned about nonequilibrium phenomena, both from the fundamental and applied standpoints. The book should also be very useful for graduate students who want to work themselves into this new field. The topics cover a good range, and provide a reasonable balance between theory and experiment. The single chapters are written by internationally recognized experts in this field. They will provide in-depth introductions to nonequilibrium fluctuation relations; nonlinear dynamics and transport; molecular diffusion in nanopores; single molecule experiments in nano- and biosystems. The application of these concepts to nano-systems and cross-links to further topics in nonequilibrium statistical physics and nonlinar dynamics will also be explored in this book. This should make the book particularly interesting for a broader community of researchers.

This book offers a comprehensive picture of nonequilibrium phenomena in nanoscale systems. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field, this book strikes a balance between theory and experiment, and includes in-depth introductions to nonequilibrium fluctuation relations, nonlinear dynamics and transport, single molecule experiments, and molecular diffusion in nanopores. The authors explore the application of these concepts to nano- and biosystems by cross-linking key methods and ideas from nonequilibrium statistical physics, thermodynamics, stochastic theory, and dynamical systems. By providing an up-to-date survey of small systems physics, the text serves as both a valuable reference for experienced researchers and as an ideal starting point for graduate-level students entering this newly emerging research field.