An Introduction to Stochastic Thermodynamics (eBook)

This book presents the fundamentals of stochastic thermodynamics, one of the most central subjects in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. It also explores many recent advances, e.g., in information thermodynamics, the thermodynamic uncertainty relation, and the trade-off relation between efficiency and power.

The content is divided into three main parts, the first of which introduces readers to fundamental topics in stochastic thermodynamics, e.g., the basics of stochastic processes, the fluctuation theorem and its variants, information thermodynamics, and large deviation theory. In turn, parts two and three explore advanced topics such as autonomous engines (engines not controlled externally) and finite speed engines, while also explaining the key concepts from recent stochastic thermodynamics theory that are involved.

To fully benefit from the book, readers only need an undergraduate-level background in statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics; no background in information theory or stochastic processes is needed. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable resource for early graduate or higher-level readers who are unfamiliar with this subject but want to keep up with the cutting-edge research in this field. In addition, the author's vivid descriptions interspersed throughout the book will help readers grasp 'living' research developments and begin their own research in this field.

Naoto Shiraishi is an associate professor at the College of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo. His main focus is on fundamentals of statistical mechanics. He received his Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo in 2012, 2014 and 2017, respectively. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (PDF) program at Keio University in 2017-2019, and an associate professor at the Department of Physics, Gakushuin University in 2019-2022. He has served in the current position since 2022. During his Ph.D. studies, he received the JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1). He also received the 2018 Young Scientist Award from the Physical Society of Japan for his outstanding contributions to non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

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This book presents the fundamentals of stochastic thermodynamics, one of the most central subjects in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. It also explores many recent advances, e.g., in information thermodynamics, the thermodynamic uncertainty relation, and the trade-off relation between efficiency and power.The content is divided into three main parts, the first of which introduces readers to fundamental topics in stochastic thermodynamics, e.g., the basics of stochastic processes, the fluctuation theorem and its variants, information thermodynamics, and large deviation theory. In turn, parts two and three explore advanced topics such as autonomous engines (engines not controlled externally) and finite speed engines, while also explaining the key concepts from recent stochastic thermodynamics theory that are involved.To fully benefit from the book, readers only need an undergraduate-level background in statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics; no backgroundin information theory or stochastic processes is needed. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable resource for early graduate or higher-level readers who are unfamiliar with this subject but want to keep up with the cutting-edge research in this field. In addition, the author s vivid descriptions interspersed throughout the book will help readers grasp living research developments and begin their own research in this field.