Nonequilibrium work relations meet engineered thermodynamic control: A perspective for nonequilibrium measurements

Abstract

Nonequilibrium work relations establish a fundamental connection between the equilibrium properties of a system and the fluctuation of work performed during nonequilibrium driving processes. However, high dissipation in fast driving processes often impedes the convergence of these work relations, complicating the accurate measurement and estimation of equilibrium properties. To address this issue, recent advances in the methodology of engineered thermodynamic control have been introduced. The goal of this method is to improve the efficiency of nonequilibrium measurements by engineering the driving strategies for the system. The engineered strategies enable the system to follow a desired evolution, thereby enhancing the estimation of equilibrium properties in finite-rate driving processes. In this perspective, we shed light on recent developments in this field. Different principles have been reviewed for engineering thermodynamic driving strategies, such as finding optimal control protocols to minimize dissipation and designing thermodynamic control protocols to shorten the lag between the system current state and its corresponding equilibrium state. Nonequilibrium measurement schemes matched with engineered thermodynamic control are also outlined as promising avenues for improving the efficiency and accuracy of nonequilibrium measurements, including several refined nonequilibrium work relations matched with designed thermodynamic control protocols.