Fluctuations of thermal variables investigated by cross-correlation function

Abstract

Fluctuations in conjugate thermodynamic variables are studied using the cross-correlation function. A new procedure is given enabling the derivation of fluctuation formulas for a system in equilibrium. Specifically, the cross-correlation function between heat and temperature is employed for thermal variables. Additionally, fluctuation-dissipation relations involving the frequency-dependent specific heat are established. Moreover, a general relation concerning the average entropy production is also given, which is the microscopic analogue of the dissipation formula of the linear response theory. In the case of thermal variables, this formula finds application in various scenarios describing fluctuating thermal systems in equilibrium.