Thermodynamics of non-conservative interactions – fundamental constraints and applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Eric Lutz
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 572793131

Understanding the fundamental mechanisms for creating and maintaining out-of-equilibrium conditions, their thermodynamic implications and their relation to concrete non-equilibrium phenomena are crucial for discovering new functionality that emerges far from equilibrium – enhanced sensing, precise transport, collective effects or topological phenomena. In this research project, one such fundamental mechanism, non-conservative forces, will be investigated from the microscopic to the macroscopic level, connecting its microscopic origins to effective models and the resulting phenomena and laying the foundation for creating and controlling functional non-equilibrium devices.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Japan
• Partner Organisation: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Andreas Dechant; Dr. Jann van der Meer; Professor Dr. Keiji Saito