Generalized optimal protocols of Brownian motion in a parabolic potentia

Abstract: The generalized Langevin equation with an exponential kernel is used to analyze memory effects on the optimal work done by a Brownian particle in a heat bath and subjected to a harmonic moving potential. The generalized overdamping scenario is also investigated. Several facts emerge in these more precise descriptions using the same initial conditions of the Markovian which lead the particle to do mechanical work against the field. Compared with the results obtained with the latter, the memory fades the discontinuities observed in the highly underdamped regime, which suggests that this trait is a consequence of the Markov approximation as well as the dependence of the different dynamical susceptibilities with the external field. Unlike the overdamped Markovian, work is done by the external field in the analog generalized counterpart. A detailed calculation of the rate of entropy production gives negative values. It is mathematically correct because the dynamics deal with a reduced description of the degrees of freedom of the bath. The theory then requires improving the treatment of them to restore the second law and thus to get the results with the required thermodynamics consistency.