Stochastic thermodynamics of nanoscale friction

Developing the thermodynamics of nanoscale friction is needed in a wide range tribological applications, where key objective to optimally control energy dissipation. Here we show that modern stochastic allows us interpret measurements obtained by force microscopy, which standard tool for investigating frictional properties materials, terms basic concepts such as fluctuating work and entropy. We this identification heat produced during process an unambiguous measure thermodynamic irreversibility. have applied procedure quantify sliding broad velocity range, observe velocity-dependent scaling behavior, useful interpreting experimental outcomes.