Small-System (Nanoscale-Mesoscale) Thermodynamics

Dear Colleagues,

An exciting frontier in modern theoretical physics is the study of small systems that are far from thermodynamic limit where new features are bound to be discovered both theoretically and experimentally. In the early 1960s, Hill initiated his by-now famous equilibrium investigation of small-system thermodynamics. The study, however, did not attract much attention until near the turn of the last century, when experimental investigations begin to probe small systems because of the advent of modern tools available to manipulate micron-size systems. These systems also exchange heat and work so there is appropriate thermodynamics. There are complications due to quantum effects that may become important (quantum thermodynamics). The concepts of additivity and homogeneity also create hurdles as the size, shape, crystallinity, amorphousness, etc. begin to dominate. The current experimental studies including cluster formation, depression of the melting point and the latent heat, transport, micromachines, molecular motors, living Brownian particles, etc, and theoretical applications include the study of thermodynamic fluctuations, nature of the interplay between energy, heat and work, stochasticity and the second law implications, quantum computers and memory, etc.

Stimulated by new experimental and theoretical understanding and the hope for future nano-meso-scale applications, there is a need for an overview of the current state of equilibrium and nonequilibrium understanding and the future perspective. The goal of this Special Issue is to provide an introduction to the new tools and approaches required for such a study by bringing in various researchers with diverse backgrounds to share their expertise in the field.

Prof. Dr. Purushottam D. Gujrati
Guest Editor

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