Linear response theory and transient fluctuation relations for diffusion processes: a backward point of view

Abstract

A formal apparatus is developed to unify derivations of the linear response theory and a variety of transient fluctuation relations for continuous diffusion processes from a backward point of view. The basis is a perturbed Kolmogorov backward equation and the path integral representation of its solution. We find that these exact transient relations could be interpreted as a consequence of a generalized Chapman–Kolmogorov equation, which intrinsically arises from the Markovian characteristic of diffusion processes.