Geometric approach to response theory in non-Hamiltonian systems (Q1397314)

The author first briefly reviews some elementary concepts from differential geometry concerning time-dependent vector fields and differential forms. Then he shows how a number of equations of interest in statistical mechanics may be formulated intrinsically. These applications include Liouville equation, equilibrium Nosé-Hoover dynamics, the computation of ensemble averages in Heisenberg and Schrödinger picture, and finally response theory.