3
$\begingroup$

I am studying from Chandler's book (Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics) the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Before introducing it, the book states something without really demonstrating it. It says that the time correlation function of fluctuations goes to zero when the time difference between the two instants that appear in the formula goes to infinity, namely:

$$C(t)=\int dxf(x)\delta A(t';x)\delta A(t'+t;x) \rightarrow0 \quad as \quad t\rightarrow +\infty$$

where $\delta A(t)$ is the fluctuation at time $t$ of $A(t)$ from the time-independent average value $\langle A\rangle$, and $f(x)$ is the probability density function of phase space points. This comes from stating that for large $t$ we have $$\langle \delta A(t')\delta A(t'+t)\rangle\rightarrow\langle\delta A(t')\rangle\langle\delta A(t'+t)\rangle$$ I cannot justify this last statement. Where does it come from? Is it an axiom?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

At equilibrium, one would expect fluctuations $\delta A$ at a time $t'$ and fluctuations at a time $t'+t$ would become statistically independent when $t \rightarrow + \infty$.

The average of a product of statistically independent variables is the product of the averages.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks. This independence is a postulate based on a reasonable argument, correct? $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 22, 2022 at 7:14
  • $\begingroup$ @SalvatoreManfrediD It is a reasonable guess for many equilibrium systems. A more formal justification is related to the possibility of proving that the dynamics of the system is mixing (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixing_(mathematics) ), at least in art of the accessible phase space. $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 22, 2022 at 11:53

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.