Faculty Profile
Andre C. Barato
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics
Office: Science & Research 1, 627
Contact: barato@uh.edu - 713-743-3023
Education: Ph.D., University of Würzburg
Dr. Andre C. Barato’s main research focus is on stochastic thermodynamics. This theoretical framework generalizes standard thermodynamics to small systems with large fluctuations that can be arbitrarily far from equilibrium. A key conceptual element is the definition of entropy (heat and work) at the level of a single stochastic trajectory. The main result of the field is the fluctuation theorem that constrains the probability distribution of this fluctuating entropy, implying a generalization of the second law of thermodynamics. Stochastic thermodynamics applies to, inter alia, small biological systems, single molecules, small electronic systems such as quantum dots, and colloidal particles. He has a particular interest in uncovering universal relations that constrain fluctuations in nonequilibrium systems and in applications related to biophysics.
Honors and Awards
NJP Outstanding Reviewers of 2016
Journal of Physics A Best Paper Prize 2018