Fluctuation theorem Created 2026-09-29 Updated 2026-10-14
A fluctuation theorem compares the probability of a fluctuating sample trajectory with that of its reverse. Positive mean entropy production permits negative individual realizations: what is constrained is their relative probability, not a prohibition on every reversal. The finite statement below compares specified forward and reverse probability laws; replacing the reverse law by the forward law requires an additional symmetry. The biased-step entropy production model exhibits that symmetry exactly, while the Crooks fluctuation theorem compares two different driving protocols.
Jarzynski equality 2026-10-14
Integrating the Crooks fluctuation theorem over work and using normalization of the reverse probability distribution givesConsequently Jensen's inequality gives . Some realizations may nevertheless have . This is a work relation with equilibrium endpoint preparations, while the integral fluctuation theorem for total entropy production uses the actual final forward distribution. [ref]
The Entropy Production Fluctuation Theorem and the Nonequilibrium Work Relation for Free Energy Differences by Gavin E. Crooks. Crooks, 1999, Eq. (3) and derivation from Eqs. (10)–(11)