Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of small systems. (R-1315)

During the last 4 years we have made a number of spectacular discoveries in the study of small systems. The invention of the Brownian refrigerator has made it in the global press. Very recently, we have resolved the age-old problem of Boltzmann, namely the microscopic expression for the dissipation (including the second law of thermodynamics). These discoveries open the way for further development of fundamental theoretical interest but also contain technological potential for applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology. We quote the further development of the Brownian refrigerator (rotational version, optimization efficiency, other architectures), the study using similar techniques and principles of chemical engine and chemical pump (see proton pump in cellular membranes), the fluctuation and worktheorem and their application to thermodynamic efficiency, and the derivation of a quantum version of dissipation, with possible application in micro-electronics, supra-molecular chemistry and quantumcryptographie (study of quantum dissipation, Zener transition and quantum decoherence).

Keywords:MECHANICS, STATISTICAL

Disciplines:Mathematical sciences and statistics, Physical sciences