Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

James H. Luscombe received a PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1983. After post-doctoral positions at the University of Toronto and Iowa State University, he joined the Research Laboratory of Texas Instruments, where he worked on the development of nanoelectronic devices. In 1994, he joined the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he is a professor of Physics. He was Chair of the Department of Physics from 2003 – 2009. He teaches a wide variety of topics, including general relativity, statistical mechanics, mathematical methods, and quantum computation. He has published more than 60 research articles, and has given more than 100 conference presentations; he holds 2 patents.

• Chapter 1: Irreversibility, Entropy, and Fluctuations. Chapter 2: Fluctuations as Stochastic Processes. Chapter 3: Brownian Mtion and Stochastic Dynamics. Chapter 4: Kinetic Theory: Boltzmann's Approach to Irreversibility. Chapter 5: Weakly Coupled Systems: Landau-Vlasov Theories. Chapter 6: Dissipation, Fluctuations, and Correlations. Appendix A: Statistical Mechanics. Appendix B: Probability Theory. Appendix C: Elastic Collisions. Appendix D: Integral Equations and Resolvents. Appendix E: Dynamical Representations in Quantum Mechanics. Appendix F: Causality and Analyticity. Bibliography. Index.

“This book provides a thorough introduction to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, focusing on systems that are not in thermal equilibrium. Luscombe blends classical approaches with modern techniques, exploring time-dependent processes, fluctuations, and irreversible dynamics. Key topics include kinetic theory, stochastic processes, and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Designed for those with a background in statistical mechanics, this book serves as an essential resource for advancing understanding in thermodynamics, plasma physics, and cosmology…We highly recommend Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics by James H. Luscombe to readers interested in understanding the complexities of nonequilibrium systems in physics. This book bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering essential topics such as kinetic theory, stochastic processes, and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. With clear explanations, supported by robust theoretical insights and relevant examples, it is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students in physics and applied sciences. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge of statistical mechanics or exploring nonequilibrium dynamics in various fields, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible approach."Oktaviyani Daswati (IPB University) and Yunia Hasnataeni ((IPB University) in Technometrics, Volume 68, 2026 - Issue 1 (https://doi.org/10.1080/00401706.2025.2565971)