Stochastic thermodynamics and the efficiency of molecular machines

Abstract

Stochastic thermodynamics as reviewed in Refs. provides a framework for extending the notions of classical thermodynamics like work, heat and entropy production to the level of individual trajectories of well-defined non-equilibrium ensembles. It applies whenever a non-equilibrium process is still coupled to one (or several) heat bath(s) of constant temperature. Paradigmatic systems are single colloidal particles in time-dependent laser traps, enzymes and molecular motors in single molecule assays, small biochemical networks and thermoelectric devices involving single electron transport. For such systems, both a first-law like energy balance and the notion of stochastic entropy can be identified along fluctuating trajectories. An important perspective for such systems focusses on the transformation of one form of energy into another one which leads to the thermodynamics analysis of machines operating on nano and micro scales.