Exploring the Neighborhood of <i>q</i>-Exponentials

Abstract

The q-exponential form eqx≡[1+(1−q)x]1/(1−q)(e1x=ex) is obtained by optimizing the nonadditive entropy Sq≡k1−∑ipiqq−1 (with S1=SBG≡−k∑ipilnpi, where BG stands for Boltzmann–Gibbs) under simple constraints, and emerges in wide classes of natural, artificial and social complex systems. However, in experiments, observations and numerical calculations, it rarely appears in its pure mathematical form. It appears instead exhibiting crossovers to, or mixed with, other similar forms. We first discuss departures from q-exponentials within crossover statistics, or by linearly combining them, or by linearly combining the corresponding q-entropies. Then, we discuss departures originated by double-index nonadditive entropies containing Sq as particular case.

Keywords

• q-exponentials
• nonextensive statistical mechanics
• nonadditive entropies
• complex systems