Probability Seminar: Stefan Adams
- Date: 03/12/2014
- Time: 15:00
University of British Columbia
Large deviations and gradient flow
We outline recent work uncovering intriguing connections between Otto's characterisation of diffusion as entropic gradientĀ flow on one hand and large-deviation principles describing the microscopic picture (Brownian motion) on the other. Specifically, we connect macroscopic gradient flows with large deviation principles, and point out the potential of a bigger picture emerging: we indicate that in some non-equilibrium situations, entropies and thermodynamic free energies can be derived via large deviation principles. The approach advocated in the talkĀ is different from the established hydrodynamic limit passage but extends a link that is well known in the equilibrium situation.
Location: ESB 2012