Fluctuation-Dissipation relations far from Equilibrium

Abstract

In this Article we review some recent progresses in the field of non-equilibrium linear response theory. We show how a generalization of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem can be derived for Markov processes, and discuss the Cugliandolo-Kurchan \cite{Cugliandolo93} fluctuation dissipation relation for aging systems and the theorem by Franz {\it et. al.} \cite{Franz98} relating static and dynamic properties. We than specialize the subject to phase-ordering systems examining the scaling properties of the linear response function and how these are determined by the behavior of topological defects. We discuss how the connection between statics and dynamics can be violated in these systems at the lower critical dimension or as due to stochastic instability.