Physics Colloquium: Long-Range correlations far from equilibrium

Abstract: 

Systems driven out of thermal equilibrium often reach a steady state which under generic conditions exhibits long-range correlations.  This is very different from systems in thermal equilibrium where long-range correlations develop only at phase transition points. In some cases these correlations even lead to long-range order in d=1 dimension, of the type occurring in traffic jams. Simple examples  of such correlations induced in the 
steady state of driven  systems will be presented and discussed. Close correspondence of these nonequilibrium steady states to electrostatic potentials induces by charge distribution will be pointed out.

Event Organizer: Prof. Sasha Gerber