Entropy Production in Non-Gaussian Active Matter: A Unified Fluctuation Theorem and Deep Learning Framework

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Authors: Yuanfei Huang, Chengyu Liu, Bing Miao, Xiang Zhou
Cited by: 3
References: 75

Abstract

We present a general framework for deriving entropy production rates in active matter systems driven by non-Gaussian active fluctuations. Employing the probability-flow equivalence technique, we rigorously obtain an entropy production (EP) decomposition formula. We demonstrate that the EP, Δs_{tot}, satisfies a detailed fluctuation theorem, ρ_{R}(Σ)/ρ_{R}(-Σ)=e^{Σ}, which holds for the distribution ρ_{R}(Σ) defined as the probability of observing a value Σ of the quantity R≡Δs_{tot}-B_{act}, where B_{act} is a path-dependent random variable associated with active fluctuations. Moreover, an integral fluctuation theorem, ⟨e^{-R}⟩=1, and the generalized second law of thermodynamics, ⟨Δs_{tot}⟩≥⟨B_{act}⟩, follow directly. Our results hold under steady-state conditions and can be straightforwardly extended to arbitrary initial states. In the limiting case where active fluctuations vanish, these theorems reduce to the established results of stochastic thermodynamics. Building on this theoretical foundation, we introduce a deep-learning-based methodology for efficiently computing the EP, utilizing the Lévy score we propose. To illustrate the validity of our approach, we apply it to two representative systems: a Brownian particle in a periodic active bath and an active polymer composed of an active Brownian cross-linker interacting with passive Brownian beads. Our Letter provides a unified framework for analyzing EP in active matter and offers practical computational tools for investigating complex nonequilibrium behavior.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Micro and Nano Robotics stochastic dynamics and bifurcation

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review Letters
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
136
Issue
6
Pages
068302–068302
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN