Bridging Freidlin-Wentzell large deviations theory and stochastic thermodynamics

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear dynamics
• Statistical physics
• Chemical kinetics

Background:

• Overdamped Langevin systems are fundamental in modeling physical and chemical processes.
• Understanding systems far from equilibrium is crucial for many scientific disciplines.
• Freidlin-Wentzell large deviations theory and stochastic thermodynamics offer powerful frameworks for analyzing complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a theoretical connection between Freidlin-Wentzell large deviations theory and stochastic thermodynamics.
• To analyze the behavior of overdamped Langevin systems under weak thermal noise and nonconservative forces.
• To provide a foundation for studying the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of dissipative metastable states.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of a series expansion for the quasipotential around the detailed-balance solution (free energy).
• Identification of conditions for the linear response regime, even in far-from-equilibrium scenarios.
• Proof that escape rates from dissipative fixed points are bounded by trajectory entropy production.

Main Results:

• A novel connection is established between large deviations theory and stochastic thermodynamics for specific systems.
• Conditions for the linear response regime are identified, extending its applicability.
• A fundamental bound on escape rates is derived, linking them to entropy production.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a theoretical framework for nonequilibrium thermodynamics of dissipative metastable states.
• The findings offer new insights into the behavior of systems driven by noise and nonconservative forces.
• This work bridges concepts from large deviations theory and stochastic thermodynamics, advancing the understanding of complex systems.