Fluctuation theorems from non-equilibrium Onsager-Machlup theory for a Brownian particle in a time-dependent harmonic potential

Abstract

We discuss the case of a Brownian particle which is harmonically bound and multiplicatively forced-namely bound by V (x,t)=1/2a(t)x2 where a (t)is externally controlled - as another instance that provides a generalization of Onsager-Machlup's theory to non-equilibrium states, thus allowing establishment of several fluctuation theorems. In particular, we outline the derivation of a fluctuation theorem for work, through the calculation of the work probability distribution as a functional integral over stochastic trajectories. © Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.