Stochastic energetics (Q847874)

The present monograph grew up from an earlier (2004) publication by this author, in Japanese. Its main topic is an exposition of so-called stochastic energetics (mostly referring to random heat transfer and free energy modification scenarios). There, the experimental research, like e.g. single particle manipulations at meso- and nano-scales (including femtosecond time scales) can be confronted with standard thermodynamical and statistical theromodynamics concepts. The book provides a physicist's viewpoint on how the classical theory of stochastic processes can be adopted and even severely tailored to this end. The role of various time and space scales, e.g. discretizations vs continuous models of random motion, is discused. Since problems addressed definitely go beyond the traditional statistical mechanics lore, to grasp the flavor of the book it is instructive to quote some typical questions, whose original list is much longer: can one cool a drop of water by agitating an immersed nano-particle, how is heat exchanged if a Brownian particle pulls a polymer chain, is the energy conserved during an individual realization of Brownian motion? No quantum issues are considered. The book addresses researchers and graduate students working in the field of nanoscience and technology.