Nonequilibrium systems under control

For a more detailed version of the programme, please visit: https://gingrich.chem.northwestern.edu/neqcontrol/

Experimental techniques have demonstrated the ability to reliably alter the collective dynamics of complex nonequilibrium systems through various types of perturbation. In active systems, where each component autonomously extracts energy to sustain its mechanical work, the emergence of some specific nonequilibrium dynamics can be controlled by tuning the individual activity in space and time. Optimization procedures aim to find the protocols which stabilize some target dynamical patterns at a minimal cost.

An outstanding challenge is to go beyond system-specific optimization, and instead examine whether any generic principles can be found in the control of nonequilibrium systems. The overall motivation is to build a versatile framework to delineate the optimal protocols in a broad class of control problems far from equilibrium. In fact, the ambition of various scientists is to demonstrate that recent tools of statistical physics and stochastic thermodynamics can guide the search for systematic control strategies in nonequilibrium dynamics.

We propose to gather scientists eager to build a community interested in the control of complex nonequilibrium phenomena, in view of establishing some fruitful connections between recent theoretical and experimental progress. The Lorentz center offers a unique opportunity to create a vibrant research environment, structured around pedagogical talks and interactive sessions during a whole week, at the crossroads between nonequilibrium physics and control theory.