Fluctuation Theorems and Thermodynamic Inequalities for Nonequilibrium Processes Stopped at Stochastic Times

Abstract: We investigate thermodynamics of general nonequilibrium processes stopped at stochastic times. We propose a systematic strategy for constructing fluctuation-theorem-like martingales for each thermodynamic functional, yielding a family of stopping-time fluctuation theorems. We derive second-law-like thermodynamic inequalities for the mean thermodynamic functional at stochastic stopping times, the bounds of which are stronger than the thermodynamic inequalities resulting from the traditional fluctuation theorems when the stopping time is reduced to a deterministic one. Numerical verification is carried out for three well-known thermodynamic functionals, namely, entropy production, free energy dissipation and dissipative work. These universal equalities and inequalities are valid for arbitrary stopping strategies, and thus provide a comprehensive framework with new insights into the fundamental principles governing nonequilibrium systems.