Stochastic thermodynamics has emerged as a comprehensive theoretical framework for a large class of non-equilibrium systems including molecular motors, biochemical reaction networks, colloidal particles in time-dependent laser traps, and bio-polymers under external forces. This book introduces the topic in a systematic way, beginning with a dynamical perspective on equilibrium statistical physics. Key concepts like the identification of work, heat and entropy production along individual stochastic trajectories are then developed and shown to obey various fluctuation relations beyond the well-established linear response regime. Representative applications are then discussed, including simple models of molecular motors, small chemical reaction networks, active particles, stochastic heat engines and information machines involving Maxwell demons. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers of physics, biophysics, and physical chemistry, with an interest in non-equilibrium phenomena.
By:
Udo Seifert (Universität Stuttgart)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781316519554
ISBN 10: 1316519554
Pages: 450
Publication Date: 19 June 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
1. From classical mechanics to statistical mechanics; 2. Canonical distribution; 3. Processes, first and second laws; 4. Work distributions from Hamiltonian trajectories; 5. Discrete states: Equilibrium, relaxation and time-dependent driving; 6. Enzymes and enzymatic reactions; 7. Thermodynamically consistent asymmetric random walk; 8. Non-equilibrium steady states; 9. Brownian motion; 10. Driven colloidal particle; 11. Correlation and linear response; 12. Molecular motors; 13. Chemical reaction networks; 14. Active particles; 15. Stochastic heat engines; 16. Information processing; 17. Coarse-graining; 18. Langevin dynamics: Advanced topics; 19. Large deviations; 20. Optimization; Appendix A. Some technical tools for Chapter 1; Appendix B. Hamiltonian dynamics and Liouville's theorem; Appendix C. Isobaric description or 'pressure ensemble'; Appendix D. Legendre transformations; Appendix E. Gaussian random variables and random functions; Appendix F. Supplement on the dynamics for systems with discrete states; Appendix G. Supplement on interacting particles; Appendix H. Local equilibrium and the identification of heat current; Bibliography; Index.
Udo Seifert is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Stuttgart and one of the pioneers of stochastic thermodynamics. He has published extensively in the areas of statistical physics, biological physics and complex systems, and has taught a graduate level course on stochastic thermodynamics at Stuttgart for several years.
Reviews for Stochastic Thermodynamics
‘This impressively systematic yet accessible presentation of stochastic thermodynamics, from one of its leading theorists, will immediately become the reference text in the field. Aimed at both graduate students and researchers, and polished over twenty years of teaching, the author’s mastery of the topics - many of which he and his group played a key role in developing - is apparent at each step.’ John Bechhoefer, Simon Fraser University, Canada ‘This book provides an authoritative overview of stochastic thermodynamics, presented by a founder and leader of the field. Seifert’s clear prose guides the reader through a wealth of topics, highlighting the logical connections that weave these strands into an intellectually compelling narrative. Covering both foundations and applications, the book is an excellent introduction to an exciting field that touches physics, chemistry, and biology. Students as well as seasoned researchers will find it engaging and insightful.’ Christopher Jarzynski, University of Maryland, USA ‘Over the past twenty-five years spectacular progress has been accomplished to extend thermodynamic concepts to individual random trajectories. Udo Seifert's book is an authoritative and masterly account of the novel theoretical concepts underlying stochastic thermodynamics, including their use in real life applications. This will be an indispensable companion for students and teachers alike.’ Herbert Spohn, Technical University of Munich, Germany