Objective The familiar rules of thermodynamics governing large systems in equilibrium do not apply in the small non-equilibrium world. The second law, which specifies that the entropy of an isolated system increases in a spontaneous process, is true only on average. The fluctuation theorem specifies the probability of fluctuations that cause a system to become more ordered, a probability that is observable if a system is sufficiently small. Can the fluctuation theorem reveal something about the efficiency of small systems in the non-equilibrium regime? Can the ideas of finite time and stochastic thermodynamics be used to establish new universal results? These questions will be addressed for mechanical and chemical transport in the classical regime and, most importantly, for transport properties in the quantum regime. The focus will include transport via nanodevices, and the microscopic description of a chemically driven Brownian motors and Brownian pumps. In the quantum regime the foci include transport of particles through quantum dots and the relation of the fluctuation theorem to the theory of quantum measurement. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesthermodynamicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsstatistical mechanics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG) Coordinator UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES EU contribution € 50 000,00 Address AVENUE FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT 50 1050 Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium See on map Region Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Pierre Gaspard (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data