Partition function for a driven oscillator?

L_landau · Nov 3, 2018

I've seen the partition function calculated for the SHO before in a thermodynamics course in order to calculate entropy. Is it possible to calculate it for a driven harmonic oscillator?

TeethWhitener · Nov 9, 2018

L_landau said:

Is it possible to calculate it for a driven harmonic oscillator?

Prima facie I would say no, because the partition function is really only well-defined at equilibrium, and the system is not at equilibrium (the driving force is pumping energy into the oscillator). I could be wrong, though.

Partition function for a driven oscillator?

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