Fluctuation theorem and microreversibility in a quantum coherent conductor

Abstract

Mesoscopic systems provide us a unique experimental stage to address nonequilibrium quantum statistical physics. By using a simple tunneling model, we describe the electron exchange process via a quantum coherent conductor between two reservoirs, which yields the fluctuation theorem (FT) in mesoscopic transport. We experimentally show that such a treatment is semiquantitatively validated in the current and noise measurement in an Aharonov-Bohm ring. The experimental proof of the microreversibility assumed in the derivation of FT is presented.

Nonequilibrium version of the Einstein relation

“…A recent example presented itself in an experimental test of the NFT for electron transport through a quantum dot [38][39][40]. The explanation of the apparent violation of the NFT has been based on the elimination of secondary loops in the circuit [36,37], hence what counts is not the bare affinity but the effective affinity.…”

Random paths and current fluctuations in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

“…These theorems allow us to generalize the Green-Kubo formulas and the Onsager or Casimir-Onsager reciprocity relations from linear to nonlinear response properties [30,34]. These results apply in particular to electron transport in semiconducting mesoscopic devices, as well as to molecular motors, and experiments are under way to investigate these relations and their implications [118][119][120][121]123].…”

“…By taking successive derivatives with respect to the counting parameters λ λ λ, the Green-Kubo formulas and CasimirOnsager reciprocity relations can be generalized to higher-order responses properties thanks to the current fluctuation theorem [33,34,43,44]. These results are investigated experimentally in mesoscopic electronic circuits [118][119][120][121].…”

Geometric fluctuation theorem for a spin-boson system

“…Moreover, it is difficult to evaluate the higher order cumulants precisely. Such difficulty has been reported even in an actual experiment for the steady fluctuation theorem [51]. We also try to estimate the expansion coefficients theoretically in terms of the asymptotic expansion as developed in Ref.…”