Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2009
We formulate an abstract fluctuation theorem which sheds light on mathematical relations between the fluctuation theorems of Bochkov and Kuzovlev [Contribution to the general theory of thermal fluctuations in nonlinear systems. Sov. Phys.–JETP45 (1977), 125] and Jarzynski [Hamiltonian derivation of a detailed fluctuation theorem. J. Stat. Phys.98 (2001), 77–102] on the one hand, and those of Evans and Searles [Equilibrium microstates which generate second law violating steady states. Phys. Rev. E 50 (1994), 1645–1648] and Gallavotti and Cohen [Dynamical ensembles in stationary states. J. Stat. Phys.80 (1995), 931–970] on the other.