Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Test of fluctuation theorems in non-Markovian open quantum systems
Tatsuro Kawamoto1, Naomichi Hatano
1Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
Abstract:
We study fluctuation theorems for open quantum systems with a non-Markovian heat bath using the approach of quantum master equations and examine the physical quantities that appear in those fluctuation theorems. The approach of Markovian quantum master equations to the fluctuation theorems was developed by Esposito and Mukamel [Phys. Rev. E 73, 046129 (2006)]. We show that their discussion can be formally generalized to the case of a non-Markovian heat bath when the local system is linearly connected to a Gaussian heat bath with the spectrum distribution of the Drude form. We found by numerically simulating the spin-boson model in non-Markovian regime that the "detailed balance" condition is well satisfied except in a strongly nonequilibrium transient situation, and hence our generalization of the definition of the "entropy production" is almost always legitimate. Therefore, our generalization of the fluctuation theorem seems meaningful in wide regions.
Related Concept Videos
Entropy Change in Reversible Processes
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
Propagation of Uncertainty from Systematic Error
Propagation of Uncertainty from Random Error
BIBO stability of continuous and discrete -time systems
To determine the BIBO stability, the convolution integral is utilized when a bounded continuous-time input is applied to a Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) system.
Stability of Equilibrium Configuration
A stable equilibrium occurs when a system tends to return to its original position when given a small displacement, and the potential energy is at its minimum. An example of a stable equilibrium is when a cantilever beam is fixed at one end and a weight is attached to the other end. If the weight...
The Uncertainty Principle