Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics: A Modern Perspective

Statistical mechanics is hugely successful when applied to physical systems at thermodynamic equilibrium; however, most natural phenomena occur in nonequilibrium conditions and more sophisticated techniques are required to address this increased complexity. This second edition presents a comprehensive overview of nonequilibrium statistical physics, covering essential topics such as Langevin equations, Lévy processes, fluctuation relations, transport theory, directed percolation, kinetic roughening, and pattern formation. The first part of the book introduces the underlying theory of nonequilibrium physics, the second part develops key aspects of nonequilibrium phase transitions, and the final part covers modern applications. A pedagogical approach has been adopted for the benefit of graduate students and instructors, with clear language and detailed figures used to explain the relevant models and experimental results. With the inclusion of original material and organizational changes throughout the book, this updated edition will be an essential guide for graduate students and researchers in nonequilibrium thermodynamics.

Roberto Livi is Honorary Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Florence and an associate member of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) and of the Institute for Complex Systems of the National Research Council (CNR). His research is focused on nonequilibrium statistical physics, and he has extensive experience teaching courses on statistical physics. He is the current President of the Italian Society of Statistical Physics.

Paolo Politi is a Research Director at the Institute for Complex Systems of the National Research Council (CNR), and Fellow of the Marie Curie Association, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the Japan Society for the promotion of Science. He currently teaches a course on stochastic processes and nonequilibrium statistical physics at the University of Florence. He was awarded the Outreach Prize of the Italian Physical Society.