Abstract
In has recently been shown that the Helmholtz free-energy difference between two equilibrium configurations of a system may be obtained from an ensemble of finite-time (nonequilibrium) measurements of the work performed in switching an external parameter of the system. Here this result is established, as an identity, within the master equation formalism. Examples are discussed and numerical illustrations provided.
- Received 18 June 1997
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.56.5018
©1997 American Physical Society
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Physical Review E published its 50,000th paper in September 2015. To celebrate this, the journal presents a series of milestone papers that were published since its inception in 1993. This is an eclectic collection of papers that made significant contributions to their field, chosen by the editors. A new milestone will be added each week.
Physical Review E 25th Anniversary Milestones
The year 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of Physical Review E. To celebrate the journal’s rich legacy, during the upcoming year we highlight a series of papers that made important contributions to their field. These milestone articles were nominated by members of the Editorial Board of Physical Review E, in collaboration with the journal’s editors. The 25 milestone articles, including an article for each calendar year from 1993 through 2017 and spanning all major subject areas of the journal, will be unveiled in chronological order and will be featured on the journal website.
