Fluctuating systems under cyclic perturbations: Relation between energy dissipation and intrinsic relaxation...

Area of Science:

• Statistical Mechanics
• Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Fluctuating classical systems interact with thermal baths, undergoing cyclic transformations driven by external perturbations.
• Understanding energy dissipation and entropy production in such systems is crucial for non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive an analytic approximation for average energy dissipation per cycle in fluctuating systems.
• To connect this dissipation to the system's intrinsic fluctuation rates and perturbation properties.
• To explore applications in spectroscopic calorimetry and system optimization.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of an analytic approximation for average dissipated energy in the asymptotic limit.
• Stochastic Markov process modeling in the overdamped regime.
• Validation through stochastic simulations of a "particle on a ring" model.

Main Results:

• An accurate analytic approximation for average energy dissipation per cycle was developed.
• The approximation links dissipation to system fluctuation rates, perturbation period, and energy perturbation modes.
• The study validates the approximation against exact simulation results for a bistable potential model.

Conclusions:

• The derived approximation provides a tool to analyze energy dissipation in driven fluctuating systems.
• It enables the characterization of system dynamics and perturbation effects, akin to spectroscopic calorimetry.
• The results can guide strategies for optimizing system features based on desired energy dissipation levels.