Non-asymptotic variance bounds and deviation inequalities by optimal transport

Abstract: The purpose of this note is to show how simple Optimal Transport arguments, on the real line, can be used in Superconcentration theory. This methodology is efficient to produce sharp non-asymptotic variance bounds for various functionals (maximum, median, $l^p$ norms) of standard Gaussian random vectors in $\R^n$. The flexibility of this approach can also provide exponential deviation inequalities reflecting preceding variance bounds. As a further illustration, usual laws from Extreme theory and Coulomb gases are studied.