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A. Perez-Madrid

Publications and source records attributed to A. Perez-Madrid.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2015

Non-linear irreversible thermodynamics of single-molecule experiments

Irreversible thermodynamics of single-molecule experiments subject to external constraining forces of a mechanical nature is presented. Extending Onsager's formalism to the non-linear case of systems under non-equilibrium external constraints, we are able to calculate the entropy production and the general non-linear kinetic equations for the variables involved. In particular, we analyze the case of RNA stretching protocols obtaining critical oscillations between different configurational states when forced by external means to remain in the unstable region of its free-energy landscape, as observed in experiments. We also calculate the entropy produced during these hopping events, and show how resonant phenomena in stretching experiments of single RNA macromolecules may arise. We also calculate the hopping rates using Kramer's approach obtaining a good comparison with experiments.

physics.bio-ph↗
arXiv2009

Statistical Mechanical Theory of a Closed Oscillating Universe

Based on Newton's laws reformulated in the Hamiltonian dynamics combined with statistical mechanics, we formulate a statistical mechanical theory supporting the hypothesis of a closed oscillating universe. We find that the behaviour of the universe as a whole can be represented by a free entropic oscillator whose lifespan is nonhomogeneous, thus implying that time is shorter or longer according to the state of the universe itself given through its entropy. We conclude that time reduces to the entropy production of the universe and that a nonzero entropy production means that local fluctuations could exist giving rise to the appearance of masses and to the curvature of the space.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2008

Fluctuation Theorems for Systems under Fokker-Planck dynamics

We study Brownian motion driven with both conservative and nonconservative external forces. By using the thermodynamic approach of the theory of Brownian motion we obtain the Fokker-Planck equation and derive expressions for the Fluctuation Theorem in local equilibrium and in quasi-equilibrium. In local equilibrium the expressions we obtain coincide with previous results.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2007

Statistical mechanical theory of an oscillating isolated system. The relaxation to equilibrium

In this contribution we show that a suitably defined nonequilibrium entropy of an N-body isolated system is not a constant of the motion in general and its variation is bounded, the bounds determined by the thermodynamic entropy, i.e., the equilibrium entropy. We define the nonequilibrium entropy as a convex functional of the set of n-particle reduced distribution functions (n=0,......., N) generalizing the Gibbs fine-grained entropy formula. Additionally, as a consequence of our microscopic analysis we find that this nonequilibrium entropy behaves as a free entropic oscillator. In the approach to the equilibrium regime we find relaxation equations of the Fokker-Planck type, particularly for the one-particle distribution function.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2006

From microscopic dynamics to macroscopic irreversibility

In this contribution we prove that the entropy of an N-body isolated system can not decrease and the entropy production should be non-negative provided the system possesses an equilibrium state. We define the entropy as a functional of the set of n-particle reduced density operators (n=0,....,N) generalizing the von Neumann fine-grained entropy formula. Additionally, as a consequence of our analysis we find the expression of the equilibrium n-particle reduced density operators which enter the definition of the entropy as well as the dissipated energy in an irreversible process.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2006

On the law of increase of entropy for nonequililbrium systems

Under the assumption of a smooth full phase-space distribution function we prove that the nonequilibrium entropy S which is considered as a functional of the distribution vector for an N-body system possesses a lower bound and therefore can not decrease. We also compute the rate of change of S, dS/dt, showing that this is non-negative and having a global minimum at equilibrium. As an aplication we obtain a generalization of the (Bhatnager-Gross-Krook) BGK relaxation model.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2005

Quantum Theory of Irreversibility

A generalization of the Gibbs-von Neumann relative entropy is proposed based on the quantum BBGKY [Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon] hierarchy as the nonequilibrium entropy for an N-body system. By using a generalization of the Liouville-von Neumann equation describing the evolution of a density super- operator, it is demonstrated that the entropy production for an isolated system is non-negative, which provides an arrow of time. Moreover, following the procedure of non-equilibrium thermodynamics a master matrix is introduced for which a mi- croscopic expression is obtained. Then, the quantum Boltzmann equation is derived in terms of a transition superoperator related to that master matrix.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2005

Molecular Theory of Irreversibility

A generalization of the Gibbs entropy postulate is proposed based on the BBGKY hierarchy as the nonequilibrium entropy for a system of N interacting particles. This entropy satisfies the basic principles of thermodynamics in the sense that it reaches its maximum at equilibrium and is coherent with the second law. By using a generalization of the Liouville equation describing the evolution of the distribution vector, it is demonstrated that the entropy production is a non-negative quantity. Moreover, following the procedure of non-equilibrium thermodynamics a transport matrix is introduced and a microscopic expression for this is derived. This framework allows one to perform the thermodynamic analysis of non-equilibrium steady states which, as proven here, constitute the states of minimum entropy production when one considers small departures from stationarity.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2005

A Model for Nonexponential Relaxation and Aging in Dissipative Systems

The nonexponential relaxation and aging inherent to complex dynamics manifested in a wide variety of dissipative systems is analyzed through a model of diffusion in phase space in the presence of a nonconservative force. The action of this force establishes a heat flow which maintains the system away from equilibrium. The inability of the system to find its equilibrium state becomes apparent through the presence of an effective temperature field. This is the temperature of the stationary nonequilibrium state reached by the system satisfying a generalyzed version of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The presence of a nonequilibrium temperature leads to a hierarchy of relaxation times responsible for the aging phenomena and to a relation similar to the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2004

Glassy dynamics: effective temperatures and intermittencies from a two-state model

We show the existence of intermittent dynamics in one of the simplest model of a glassy system: the two-state model, which has been used to explain the origin of the violation of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The dynamics is analyzed through a Langevin equation for the evolution of the state of the system through its energy landscape. The results obtained concerning the violation factor and the non-Gaussian nature of the fluctuations are in good qualitative agreement with experiments measuring the effective temperature and the voltage fluctuations in gels and in polymer glasses. The method proposed can be useful to study the dynamics of other slow relaxation systems in which non-Gaussian fluctuations have been observed.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2004

Mesoscopic thermodynamics of stationary states

A thermodynamics for systems at a stationary states is formulated. It is based upon the assumption of the existence of local equilibrium in phase space which enables one to interpret the probability density ans its conjugated nonequilibrium chemical potential as a mesoscopic thermodynamic variables. The probability current is obtained from the entropy production related to the probability diffusion process and leads to the formulation of the Fokker-Planck equation. For the case of a gas of Brownian particles under steady flow in the dilute and concentrated regimes we derive nonequilibrium equations of state.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2004

Gibbs Entropy and Irreversibility

This contribution is dedicated to dilucidating the role of the Gibbs entropy in the discussion of the emergence of irreversibility in the macroscopic world from the microscopic level. By using an extension of the Onsager theory to the phase space we obtain a generalization of the Liouville equation describing the evolution of the distribution vector in the form of a master equation. This formalism leads in a natural way to the breaking of the BBGKY hierarchy. As a particular case we derive the Boltzmann equation.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2004

A Simple Model for Nonexponential Relaxation in Complex Dynamics

The nonexponential relaxation ocurring in complex dynamics manifested in a wide variety of systems is analyzed through a simple model of diffusion in phase space. It is found that the inability of the system to find its equilibrium state in any time scale becomes apparent in an effective temperature field which leads to a hierarchy of relaxation times responsible for the slow relaxation phenomena.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2003

Local quasi-equilibrium description of slow relaxation systems

We present a dynamical description of slow relaxation processes based on the extension of Onsager's fluctuation theory to systems in local quasi-equilibrium. A non-Markovian Fokker-Planck equation for the conditional probability density is derived and from it we obtain the relaxation equation for the moments. We show that the fluctuation-dissipation theorem can be formulated in terms of the temperature of the system at local quasi-equilibrium. Our theory may be applied to a wide variety of systems undergoing slow relaxation. We discuss in particular slow dynamics in glassy systems and Brownian motion in a granular gas.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2003

Slow dynamics and local quasi-equilibrium. Relaxation in supercooled colloidal systems

We present a Fokker-Planck description of supercooled colloidal systems exhibiting slow relaxation dynamics. By assuming the existence of a local quasi-equilibrium state during the relaxation of the system, we derive a non-Markovian Fokker-Planck equation for the non-stationary conditional probability. A generalized Stokes-Einstein relation containing the temperature of the system instead of the temperature of the bath is obtained. Our results explain experiments showing that the diffusion coefficient is not proportional to the inverse of the effective viscosity at frequencies related to the diffusion time scale.

cond-mat↗
arXiv2002

Vortex ratchet

We present a new class of thermal ratchets operating under the action of a symmetry breaking non-Hermitian perturbation which rectifies thermal fluctuations, and driven by a unbiased periodic force. The peculiar non-Hermitian dynamics which follows causes energy transduction from the force to the system in such a way that an average `uphill' particle current is induced. We discuss physical realizations in assemblies of orientable particles, in itinerant oscillator models, and in problems of diffusion in disordered media.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2002

Origin of the Violation of the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem in Systems with Activated Dynamics

We analyze the validity of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem for slow relaxation systems in the context of mesoscopic nonequilibrium thermodynamics. We demonstrate that the violation arises as a natural consequence of the elimination of fast variables in the description of a glassy system, and it is intrinsically related to the underlying activated nature of slow relaxation. In addition, we show that the concept of effective temperature, introduced to characterize the magnitude of the violation, is not robust since it is observable-dependent, can diverge, or even be negative.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗