A soluble model of a Non-Equilibrium Steady State: the van Kampen objection and other lessons

Abstract: A simple model of charge transport is provided by a classical particle in a smooth random potential and a dissipative coupling to the environment in the form of Markovian noise and friction. The corresponding Non-Equilibrium Steady State (NESS) can be determined analytically when both the disorder and dissipation are weak. We use it to illuminate some foundational issues in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. We show that Linear Response Theory has a nonempty regime of validity only in the presence of a dissipative coupling to the environment, thereby validating van Kampen's objection. We also show that the Principle of Minimum Entropy Production does not determine the NESS beyond linear order in the electric field, while entropy maximization fails to produce the correct NESS already at linear order.