Promoting Fluctuation Theorems into Covariant Forms

Physical Review Letters, vol. 134, pp. 237102

Abstract

The principle of covariance, a cornerstone of modern physics, asserts the equivalence of all inertial frames of reference. Fluctuation theorems, as extensions of the second law of thermodynamics, establish universal connections between irreversibility and fluctuation in terms of stochastic thermodynamic quantities. However, these relations typically assume that both the thermodynamic system and the heat bath are at rest with respect to the observer, thereby failing to satisfy the principle of covariance. In this Letter, by introducing covariant work and heat that incorporate both energy-related and momentum-related components, we promote fluctuation theorems into covariant forms applicable to moving thermodynamic systems and moving heat baths. We illustrate this framework with two examples: the work statistics of a relativistic stochastic field and the heat statistics of a relativistic Brownian motion. Although our Letter is carried out in the context of special relativity, the results can be extended to the nonrelativistic limit. Our Letter combines the principle of covariance and fluctuation theorems into a coherent framework and may have applications in the study of thermodynamics relevant to cosmic microwave background as well as the radiative heat transfer and noncontact friction between relatively moving bodies.

Authors 3

1. Ji-Hui Pei

   KU Leuven · Peking University

   Affiliation as printed

   KU Leuven

   Peking University

   KU Leuven, Department of Physics and Astronomy, 3000, Belgium

   Peking University, School of Physics, Beijing, 100871, China

2. Jin-Fu Chen Aachen

   Leiden University · Peking University

   Affiliation as printed

   Peking University

   Universiteit Leiden

   Peking University, School of Physics, Beijing, 100871, China

   Universiteit Leiden, Instituut-Lorentz, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

3. H. T. Quan

   Peking University · Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter

   Affiliation as printed

   Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter

   Peking University

   Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100871, China

   Peking University, Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics, Beijing, 100871, China

   Peking University, School of Physics, Beijing, 100871, China