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A thermodynamic system is a set of objects whose thermodynamic properties are of interest. The system is considered to be embedded in its surroundings or the environment. The system and its environment can exchange heat and do work on each other through a boundary that separates them. However, the immediate surroundings of the system interact with it directly and therefore have a much stronger influence on its behavior and properties.
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Thermodynamic inference based on coarse-grained data or noisy measurements.

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Summary

Improved fluctuation theorems help calculate free energies from noisy single-molecule biophysics experiments. New estimators address challenges from coarse-graining and noise, enhancing thermodynamic inference accuracy.

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Area of Science:

  • Single-molecule biophysics
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Thermodynamics

Background:

  • Fluctuation theorems are crucial for free-energy calculations in nonequilibrium experiments.
  • Noise and coarse-graining complicate accurate free-energy determination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop improved estimators for free-energy differences using fluctuation theorems.
  • To address challenges in thermodynamic inference caused by measurement noise and coarse-graining.

Main Methods:

  • Proposing and testing novel free-energy estimators based on fluctuation theorems.
  • Analyzing the impact of noise, including effective temperature concepts.
  • Investigating non-Gaussian work distributions and correlated errors.
  • Examining delayed measurements using linear Langevin equations.

Main Results:

  • Developed improved estimators for free-energy differences under various noise conditions.
  • Characterized noise effects using an effective temperature dependent on signal-to-noise ratio for Gaussian work.
  • Demonstrated the utility of improved estimators for non-Gaussian work and correlated errors.
  • Showcased applicability to systems with measurement delays.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed estimators enhance the accuracy of free-energy calculations from noisy biophysical experiments.
  • Effective temperature is a useful concept for Gaussian work but improved estimators are needed otherwise.
  • The methods are robust for complex scenarios including correlated errors and delays.