Large Deviations and Their Applications in Physics - Part 1

Explore the fundamentals of large deviation theory and its applications in statistical physics through this comprehensive lecture presented by Professor Hugo Touchette from Stellenbosch University. Learn the basic principles of the theory as applied to sums of random variables in this first installment of a three-part mini-course. Gain insights into the mathematical framework that forms the foundation for understanding rare events and statistical fluctuations in physical systems. Discover how these concepts connect to Markov processes and nonequilibrium systems, which will be covered in subsequent lectures. Delivered as part of the New Statistical Physics in Living Matter series, focusing on non-equilibrium states under adaptive control, this 73-minute presentation provides essential knowledge for researchers and students interested in statistical physics and its applications.