Characterizing dynamical transitions in bistable system using non-equilibrium measurement of work

Abstract

We show how Jarzynski relation can be exploited to analyze the nature of order-disorder and a bifurcation type dynamical transition in terms of a response function derived on the basis of work distribution over non-equilibrium paths between two thermalized states. The validity of the response function extends over linear as well as nonlinear regime and far from equilibrium situations.