Ergodicity of non-Hamiltonian equilibrium systems

Abstract

It is well known that ergodic theory can be used to formally prove a weak form of relaxation to equilibrium for finite, mixing, Hamiltonian systems. In this Letter we extend this proof to any dynamics that preserves a mixing equilibrium distribution. The proof uses an approach similar to that used in umbrella sampling, and demonstrates the need for a form of ergodic consistency of the initial and final distribution. This weak relaxation only applies to averages of physical properties. It says nothing about whether the distribution of states relaxes towards the equilibrium distribution or how long the relaxation of physical averages takes.