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  • © 2014

Non-equilibrium Energy Transformation Processes

Theoretical Description at the Level of Molecular Structures

Authors:

  • Nominated as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis by Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
  • Comprehensible introduction to stochastic thermodynamics
  • Provides a rich collection of exactly solvable models from stochastic thermodynamics
  • All models are comprehensively illustrated
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Springer Theses (Springer Theses)

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. Introduction

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 1-15
  3. Stochastic Thermodynamics

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 17-46
  4. Discrete State Space Models

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 47-78
  5. Continuous State Space Models

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 79-89
  6. Heat Engines

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 91-126
  7. Conclusion

    • Viktor Holubec
    Pages 127-128
  8. Back Matter

    Pages 129-152

About this book

Various experimental techniques have been advanced in recent years to measure non-equilibrium energy transformations on the microscopic scale of single molecules. In general, the systems studied in the corresponding experiments are exposed to strong thermal fluctuations and thus the relevant energetic variables such as work and heat become stochastic.

This thesis addresses challenging theoretical problems in this active field of current research: 1) Exact analytical solutions of work and heat distributions for isothermal non-equilibrium processes in suitable models are obtained; 2) Corresponding solutions for cyclic processes involving two different heat reservoirs are found; 3) Optimization of periodic driving protocols for such cyclic processes with respect to maximal output power, efficiency and minimal power fluctuations is studied.

The exact solutions for work and heat distributions provide a reference for theoretical investigations of more complicated models, giving insight into the structure of the tail of work distributions and serving as valuable test cases for simulations of the underlying stochastic processes.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

    Viktor Holubec

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access