Accelerating stochastic processes through nonequilibrium driving: Thermodynamic constraints on the maximum speed-up

Abstract

We derive a new set of bounds controlling the speed-up of the survival rate of trajectory-dependent observables induced by the application of a perturbation. Via the study of survival probabilities in two different contexts, continuous-time Markov jump processes and overdamped diffusions, we obtain different fashions of the bound on the achievable boost. These bounds, obtained by a nonlinear response theory of constrained path probabilities, are explicitly linked to thermodynamics. For arbitrary time-dependent survival rates, we find a linear bound that depends on both the perturbation strength and the entropy production rate prior to the perturbation. For rare processes characterized by a constant survival rate, the bound is exponential and is determined by the excess heat generated by the perturbation. We exemplify the inequalities on two prototypical model systems, namely, a unicyclic network and forced diffusion in a bistable potential.