Abstract
In the linear response regime near equilibrium, the fluctuation-dissipation
theorem (FDT) connects the equilibrium correlation function of thermally
driven fluctuations with the response of the system to a small external
perturbation. For systems driven beyond the linear response regime, the FDT in
general breaks down. Studying both theoretically and experimentally a
paradigmatic single colloidal particle moving in a periodic potential, we
discuss the close connection between the violation of the velocity FDT and the
violation of detailed balance. We derive an explicit expression for this
violation implying a generalized Einstein relation, which is tested
experimentally. The equilibrium form of the FDT can be restored when measuring
velocity fluctuations with respect to the local mean, suggesting an appealing
modification of Onsager's regression principle for nonequilibrium steady
states.
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