A large deviation theory perspective on nanoscale transport phenomena

Understanding transport processes in complex nanoscale systems, like ionic conductivities in nanofluidic devices or heat conduction in low-dimensional solids, poses the problem of examining fluctuations of currents within nonequilibrium steady states and relating those fluctuations to nonlinear or anomalous responses. We have developed a systematic framework for computing distributions of time integrated currents in molecular models and relating cumulants of those distributions to nonlinear transport coefficients. The approach elaborated upon in this perspective follows from the theory of dynamical large deviations, benefits from substantial previous formal development, and has been illustrated in several applications. The framework provides a microscopic basis for going beyond traditional hydrodynamics in instances where local equilibrium assumptions break down, which are ubiquitous at the nanoscale.

Automated summary

This research provides a new systematic framework for understanding transport processes in nanoscale systems, allowing for the computation of distributions of time integrated currents and their relation to nonlinear transport coefficients. Drawing upon the theory of dynamical large deviations, it offers a way to move beyond traditional hydrodynamics in cases where local equilibrium assumptions break down at the nanoscale.