We experimentally demonstrate the fluctuation theorem, which predicts appreciable and measurable violations of the second law of thermodynamics for small systems over short time scales, by following the trajectory of a colloidal particle captured in an optical trap that is translated relative to surrounding water molecules. From each particle trajectory, we calculate the entropy production/consumption over the duration of the trajectory and determine the fraction of second law–defying trajectories. Our results show entropy consumption can occur over colloidal length and time scales. © 2002 The American Physical Society.
CITATION STYLE
Wang, G. M., Sevick, E. M., Mittag, E., Searles, D. J., & Evans, D. J. (2002). Experimental Demonstration of Violations of the Second Law of Thermodynamics for Small Systems and Short Time Scales. Physical Review Letters, 89(5). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.050601
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.