Quantum mechanics

Theoretical physics

Formalism (music)

Thermal equilibrium

Entropy production

Entropy (arrow of time)

Visual arts

Classical mechanics

Statistical physics

Langevin dynamics

Thermodynamics

Musical

Physics

Thermal

Polar

Harmonic oscillator

Non-equilibrium thermodynamics

Journal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment

We present in detail a Langevin formalism for constructing stochastic dynamical equations for active-matter systems coupled to a thermal bath. We apply the formalism to clarify issues of principle regarding the sources and signatures of nonequilibrium behaviour in a variety of polar and apolar single-particle systems and polar flocks. We show that distance from thermal equilibrium depends on how time-reversal is implemented and hence on the reference equilibrium state. We predict characteristic forms for the frequency-resolved entropy production for an active polar particle in a harmonic potential, which should be testable in experiments.

Origins and diagnostics of the nonequilibrium character of active systems