Non-adiabatic entropy production for non-Markov dynamics (1205.3577v4)

Abstract: We extend the definition of non-adiabatic entropy production given for Markovian systems in [M. Esposito and C. Van den Broeck, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 090601, (2010)], to arbitrary non-Markov ergodic dynamics. We also introduce a notion of stability characterizing non-Markovianity. For stable non-Markovian systems, the non-adiabatic entropy production satisfies an integral fluctuation theorem, leading to the second law of thermodynamics for transitions between non-equilibrium steady-states. This quantity can also be written as a sum of products of generalized fluxes and forces, thus being suitable for thermodynamics. On the other hand, the generalized fluctuation-dissipation relation also holds, clarifying that the conditions for it to be satisfied are ergodicity and stability instead of Markovianity. We show that in spite of being counter-intuitive, the stability criterion introduced in this work may be violated in non-Markovian systems even if they are ergodic, leading to a violation of the fluctuation theorem and the generalized fluctuation-dissipation relation. Stability represents then a necessary condition for the above properties to hold and explains why the generalized fluctuation-dissipation relation has remained elusive in the study of non-Markov systems exhibiting non-equilibrium steady-states.