Stochastic efficiency: five case studies

Abstract

Stochastic efficiency is evaluated in five case studies: driven Brownian motion, effusion with a thermo-chemical and thermo-velocity gradient, a quantum dot and a model for information to work conversion. The salient features of stochastic efficiency, including the maximum of the large deviation function at the reversible efficiency, are reproduced. The approach to and extrapolation into the asymptotic time regime are documented.

Keywords

• stochastic efficiency
• large deviations in non-equilibrium systems
• non-equilibrium fluctuations in small systems
• 05.70.Ln
• 05.40.-a
• 05.10.Gg