arXiv subjects

Xiangjun Xing

Publications and source records attributed to Xiangjun Xing.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

A Rigorous Foundation for Stochastic Thermodynamics via the Microcanonical Ensemble

We consider a small Hamiltonian system strongly interacting with a much larger Hamiltonian system (the bath), while being driven by both a time-dependent control parameter and non-conservative forces. The joint system is assumed to be thermally isolated. Under the assumption of time-scale separation (TSS)--where the bath equilibrates much faster than the system and the external driving--the bath remains in instantaneous equilibrium, described by the microcanonical ensemble conditioned on the system state and the control parameter. We identify a decomposition of the total Hamiltonian that renders the bath energy an adiabatic invariant under slow evolution. This same decomposition defines the system Hamiltonian as the Hamiltonian of mean force, and ensures that neither the system nor the control parameter does reactive work on the bath. Using time-reversal symmetry and TSS, and without invoking any model details, we rigorously prove that the reduced dynamics of the system is Markovian and satisfies a form of local detailed balance (LDB) which involves transition probabilities but not path probabilities. By working entirely within the microcanonical framework and adopting a precise decomposition of the total energy, we provide rigorous definitions of bath entropy as the Boltzmann entropy, and of heat as the negative change of the bath energy. Our approach bypasses the ambiguities associated with conventional definitions of thermodynamic variables and path probabilities, and establishes a rigorous and thermodynamically consistent foundation for stochastic thermodynamics, valid even under strong system-bath coupling.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2025

Capturing the Demon in Szilard's Engine

In Szilard's engine, a demon measures a one-particle gas and applies feedback to extract work from thermal fluctuations, embodying Maxwell's notion that information reduces thermodynamic entropy - an apparent second-law violation. The Landauer-Bennett Thesis resolves this paradox by requiring the demon to record the measurement, which results in an entropy increase in the demon's memory. Eventually, the demon's memory needs to be erased. The erasure costs the same work as extracted previously, hence there is no violation of the second law. Though widely accepted, the fictitious memory invoked in the thesis has drawn multiple criticisms, with debates persisting over the demon's necessity. We show that the demon is the piston that partitions the space and drives the expansion. The final position of the piston after expansion records the particle's position pre-expansion: it is an ``information-bearing degree of freedom''. In this Piston-Demon Thesis, memory register and feedback (expansion) happen simultaneously. Our exposition identifies the mischievous demon as a physical degree of freedom, and greatly simplifies Szilard's engine. It also offers educators a tangible illustration of information-thermodynamics.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2025

An ideal entropy transporter with finite power and vanishing fluctuation

We study a micro-magnet that interacts with a spin-polarized electric current, a heat bath, as well as a static magnetic field. The resulting non-equilibrium steady-state transports entropy between the current and the heat bath, without need of any thermodynamic force. In the limit of strong magnetic field, both the entropy production rate and the fluctuation of entropy transport become vanishingly small, whereas the average rate of entropy transport remains finite. Our results demonstrate that there is no fundamental limitation on the performance of thermodynamic engines other than the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Stochastic Thermodynamics of Micromagnetics with Spin Torque

In this work, we study the stochastic dynamics of micro-magnetics interacting with a spin-current torque. We extend the previously constructed stochastic Landau-Lifshitz equation to the case with spin-current torque, and verify the conditions of detailed balance. Then we construct various thermodynamics quantities such as work and heat, and prove the second law of thermodynamics. Due to the existence of spin-torque and the asymmetry of the kinetic matrix, a novel effect of entropy pumping shows up. As a consequence, the system may behave as a heat engine which constantly transforms heat into magnetic work. Finally, we derive a fluctuation theorem for the joint probability density function of the pumped entropy and the total work, and verify it using numerical simulations.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Stochastic thermodynamics of Brownian motion in a flowing fluid

We study stochastic thermodynamics of over-damped Brownian motion in a flowing fluid. Unlike some previous works, we treat the effects of the flow field as a non-conservational driving force acting on the Brownian particle. This allows us to apply the theoretical formalism developed in a recent work for general non-conservative Langevin dynamics. We define heat and work both at the trajectory level and at the ensemble level, and prove the second law of thermodynamics explicitly. The entropy production (EP) is decomposed into a housekeeping part and an excess part, both of which are non-negative at the ensemble level. Fluctuation theorems are derived for the housekeeping work, the excess work, and the total work, which are further verified using numerical simulations. A comparison between our theory and an earlier theory by Speck et. al. is also carried out.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Stochastic Thermodynamics of Micromagnetics

In this work, we study the stochastic thermodynamics of micro-magnetic systems. We first formulate the stochastic dynamics of micro-magnetic systems by incorporating noises into Landau-Lifshitz (LL) equation, which describes the irreversible and deterministic dynamics of magnetic moments. The resulting stochastic Landau-Lifshitz (sLL) equation obeys detailed balance, which guarantees that, with the external field fixed, the system converges to thermodynamic equilibrium with vanishing entropy production and with non-vanishing probability current. We then discuss various thermodynamic variables both at the trajectory level and at the ensemble level, and further establish both the first and the second laws of thermodynamics. Finally, we establish fluctuation theorems, and verify them using numerical simulations.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

A spin-torque nano-oscillator based on interlayer-coupled meron-skyrmion pairs with a fixed orbit

In recent years, magnetic skyrmion-based spin-torque nano-oscillators (STNOs) attract considerable interest for their prospect in future-generation communication and spintronic technologies. However, some critical issues, which hamper their practical applications, e.g., the long start-up time and variable skyrmion gyration orbit, remain to be resolved. Here, we numerically demonstrate a realization of a fixed-orbit STNO, which is based on an interlayer-coupled meron-skyrmion (MS) pair other than a magnetic skyrmion. In this STNO, the MS pair possesses a structurally defined, fixed orbit within a broad range of driving current, even in the presence of random defects. The output frequency range of the STNO based on an MS pair far exceeds that of the STNO typically based on a single skyrmion. Moreover, the output frequency of this STNO can be further elevated if more MS pairs are incorporated. Our results reveal the nontrivial dynamics of the interlayer-coupled MS pair, opening perspectives for the design and optimization of fundamental spintronic devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Stochastic Thermodynamics of Brownian motion in Temperature Gradient

We study stochastic thermodynamics of a Brownian particle which is subjected to a temperature gradient and is confined by an external potential. We first formulate an over-damped Ito-Langevin theory in terms of local temperature, friction coefficient, and steady state distribution, all of which are experimentally measurable. We then study the associated stochastic thermodynamics theory. We analyze the excess entropy production (EP) both at trajectory level and at ensemble level, and derive the Clausius inequality as well as the transient fluctuation theorem (FT). We also use molecular dynamics to simulate a Brownian particle inside a Lennard-Jones fluid and verify the FT. Remarkably we find that the FT remains valid even in the under-damped regime. We explain the possible mechanism underlying this surprising result.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2023

United v.s. Divided, Deconfinement of Social Tension as a Topological Phase Transition

The proverbs "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" and alike capture the essence of many body correlations in social relations, whose violation leads to social tension. We study how rule-breakers, who disrespect these norms, affect the structure and dynamics of signed social networks which tries to minimize social tension. We find two dynamic phases. A friendly society exhibits a "united phase" where insertion of a rule-breaker only leads to localized rearrangement. A hostile society exhibits a "divided phase", where insertion leads to macroscopic reorganization of social relations. In the divided phase, starting from the utopia state, where all relations are friendly, insertion of a {\em separatist}, a particular type of rule-breaker who makes friends with only half of its neighbors, leads to fragmentation, where the society breaks into many finite size, mutually antagonistic cliques. These phenomena are described by Ising lattice gauge theory, where social tension behave as $Z_2$ topological defects, which are confined in the united phase and deconfined in the divided phase. We further show that the connection between social dynamics and Ising lattice gauge theory is viable independently of connectivity structure of the social network.

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arXiv2022

Elongated Skyrmion as Spin Torque Nano-Oscillator and Magnonic Waveguide

Spin torque nano-oscillator has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally in recent decades due to its potential applications in future microwave communication technology and neuromorphic computing. In this work, we present a skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillator driven by a spatially uniform direct current, where the skyrmion is confined by two pinning sites. Different from other skyrmion-based oscillators that arise from the circular motion or the breathing mode of a skyrmion, the steady-state oscillatory motions are produced by the periodic deformation of an elongated skyrmion. Through micromagnetic simulations, we find that the oscillation frequency depends on the driving current, the damping constant as well as the characteristics of pinning sites. This nonlinear response to direct current turns out to be universal and can also appear in the case of antiskyrmions, skyrmioniums and domain walls. Furthermore, the elongated skyrmion possesses a rectangle-like domain wall, which could also serve as a magnonic waveguide. Utilizing the propagation of spin waves in this waveguide, we propose a device design of logic gate and demonstrate its performance.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Field-driven skyrmion motion through velocity equipartition between skyrmions and a domain wall

Magnetic skyrmions, as a whirling spin texture with axisymmetry, cannot be propelled by a uniform magnetic field. Therefore, reported skyrmion motions have been induced using other sorts of stimuli; typically, electric currents in magnetic metals as well as spin waves, thermal gradient, and field gradient have manifested their ability to drive skyrmion motion. Here, we demonstrate, through micromagnetic simulations and analytically, that magnetic skyrmions can be displaced by a uniform perpendicular magnetic field via a domain-wall (DW) mediator. For a fixed field strength, the velocity of a skyrmion train evolves in terms of 1 / (1 + Ns) with Ns denoting the number of skyrmions. Based on Thiele's model, we reproduce the velocity-Ns relation first identified from numerical results and reveal that the skyrmion-DW and inter-skyrmion repulsions offer the direct driving force for skyrmion motion. This study underlines the role of spin textures' interaction in skyrmion dynamics, and opens an alternative route for skyrmion manipulation especially relevant to insulating magnets. Given the correspondence between magnetism and electricity, we anticipate that the scheme should also work for polar skyrmions in ferroelectrics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Amplifying spin waves along N\'eel domain wall by spin-orbit torque

Traveling spin waves in magnonic waveguides undergo severe attenuation, which tends to result in a finite propagation length of spin waves, even in magnetic materials with the accessible lowest damping constant, heavily restricting the development of magnonic devices. Compared with the spin waves in traditional waveguides, propagating spin waves along strip domain wall are expected to exhibit enhanced transmission. Here, we demonstrate, theoretically and through micromagnetic simulations, that spin-orbit torque associated with a ferromagnet/heavy metal bilayer can efficiently control the attenuation of spin waves along a N\'eel-type strip domain wall, despite the complexity in the ground-state magnetization configuration. The direction of the electric current applied to the heavy-metal layer determines whether these spin waves are amplified or further attenuated otherwise. Remarkably, our simulations reveal that the effective current densities required to efficiently tune the decay of such spin waves are just ~10^10 Am-2, roughly an order smaller than those required in conventional spin waveguides. Our results will enrich the toolset for magnonic technologies.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Time-Slicing Path-integral in Curved Space

Path integrals constitute powerful representations for both quantum and stochastic dynamics. Yet despite many decades of intensive studies, there is no consensus on how to formulate them for dynamics in curved space, or how to make them covariant with respect to nonlinear transform of variables. In this work, we construct rigorous and covariant formulations of time-slicing path integrals for quantum and classical stochastic dynamics in curved space. We first establish a rigorous criterion for correct time-slice actions of path integrals (Lemma 1). This implies the existence of infinitely many equivalent representations for time-slicing path integral. We then show that, for any dynamics with second order generator, all time-slice actions are asymptotically equivalent to a Gaussian (Lemma 2). Using these results, we further construct a continuous family of equivalent actions parameterized by an interpolation parameter $\alpha \in [0,1]$ (Lemma 3). The action generically contains a spurious drift term linear in $\Delta \boldsymbol x$, whose concrete form depends on $\alpha$. Finally we also establish the covariance of our path-integral formalism, by demonstrating how the action transforms under nonlinear transform of variables. The $\alpha = 0$ representation of time-slice action is particularly convenient because it is Gaussian and invariant, as long as $\Delta \boldsymbol x$ transforms according to Ito's formula.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2021

Covariant Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics from Ito-Langevin Dynamics

Using the recently developed covariant Ito-Langevin dynamics, we develop a non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory for small systems coupled to multiplicative noises. The theory is based on Ito-calculus, and is fully covariant under time-independent nonlinear transformation of variables. Assuming instantaneous detailed balance, we derive expressions for various thermodynamic functions, including work, heat, entropy production, and free energy, both at ensemble level and at trajectory level, and prove the second law of thermodynamics for arbitrary non-equilibrium processes. We relate time-reversal asymmetry of path probability to entropy production, and derive its consequences such as fluctuation theorem and non-equilibrium work relation. For Langevin systems with additive noises, our theory is equivalent to the common theories of stochastic energetics and stochastic thermodynamics. We also discuss examples of multiplicative noises where the common theories are inapplicable, but our theory yields correct results.

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arXiv2021

Evading Thermodynamic Uncertainty Relations via Asymmetric Dynamic Protocols

Many versions of Thermodynamic Uncertainty Relations (TUR) have recently been discovered, which impose lower bounds on relative fluctuations of integrated currents in irreversible dissipative processes, and suggest that there may be fundamental limitations on the precision of small scale machines and heat engines. In this work we rigorously demonstrate that TUR can be evaded by using dynamic protocols that are asymmetric under time-reversal. We illustrate our results using a model heat engine using two-level systems, and also discuss heuristically the fundamental connections between TUR and time-reversal symmetry.

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arXiv2021

Alignment Destabilizes Crystal Orders in Active Systems

We combine numerical and analytical methods to study two dimensional active crystals formed by permanently linked swimmers and with two distinct alignment interactions. The system admits a stationary phase with quasi long range translational order, as well as a moving phase with quasi-long range velocity order. The translational order in the moving phase is significantly influenced by alignment interaction. For Vicsek-like alignment, the translational order is short-ranged, whereas the bond-orientational order is quasi-long ranged, implying a moving hexatic phase. For elasticity-based alignment, the translational order is quasi-long ranged parallel to the motion and short-ranged in perpendicular direction, whereas the bond orientational order is long-ranged. We also generalize these results to higher dimensions.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2021

Strong Coupling Thermodynamics and Stochastic Thermodynamics from the Unifying Perspective of Time-Scale Separation

Assuming time-scale separation, a simple and unified theory of thermodynamics and stochastic thermodynamics is constructed for small classical systems strongly interacting with its environment in a controllable fashion. The total Hamiltonian is decomposed into a bath part and a system part, the latter being the Hamiltonian of mean force. Both the conditional equilibrium of bath and the reduced equilibrium of the system are described by canonical ensemble theories with respect to their own Hamiltonians. The bath free energy is independent of the system variables and the control parameter. Furthermore, the weak coupling theory of stochastic thermodynamics becomes applicable almost verbatim, even if the interaction and correlation between the system and its environment are strong and varied externally. Finally, this TSS-based approach also leads to some new insights about the origin of the second law of thermodynamics.

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arXiv2020

Information Swimmer: A Novel Mechanism of Self-propulsion

We study an information-based mechanism of self-propulsion in noisy environment. An information swimmer maintains directional motion by periodically measuring its velocity and accordingly adjusting its friction coefficient. Assuming that the measurement and adjustment are reversible and hence cause no energy dissipation, an information swimmer may move without external energy input. There is however no violation of the second law of thermodynamics, because the information entropy stored in the memory of swimmer increases monotonically. By optimizing its control parameters, the swimmer can achieve a steady velocity that is comparable to the root-mean-square velocity of an analogous Brownian particle. We also define a swimming efficiency in terms of information entropy production rate, and find that in equilibrium media with white noises, information swimmers are generally less efficient than Brownian particles driven by constant forces. For colored noises with long correlation times, the frequency of measurement can be greatly reduced without affecting the efficiency of information swimmers.

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