The Jarzynski identity derived from general Hamiltonian or non-Hamiltonian dynamics reproducing NVT or NPT ensembles.

Overview

The Jarzynski identity (JI) relates nonequilibrium work averages to thermodynamic free energy differences. It was shown in a recent contribution [M. A. Cuendet, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 120602 (2006)] that the JI can, in particular, be derived directly from the Nose-Hoover thermostated dynamics. This statistical mechanical derivation is particularly relevant in the framework of molecular dynamics simulation, because it is based solely on the equations of motion considered and is free of any additional assumptions on system size or bath coupling. Here, this result is generalized to a variety of dynamics, along two directions. On the one hand, specific improved thermostating schemes used in practical applications are treated. These include Nose-Hoover chains, higher moment thermostats, as well as an isothermal-isobaric scheme yielding the JI in the NPT ensemble. On the other hand, the theoretical generality of the new derivation is explored. Generic dynamics with arbitrary coupling terms and an arbitrary number of thermostating variables, both non-Hamiltonian and Hamiltonian, are shown to imply the JI. In particular, a nonautonomous formulation of the generalized Nose-Poincare thermostat is proposed. Finally, general conditions required for the JI derivation are briefly discussed.