Characterizing dynamical transitions in bistable systems using a non-equilibrium measurement of work

We show how the Jarzynski relation can be exploited to analyze the nature of order–disorder, and a bifurcation type dynamical transition in terms of a response function derived on the basis of work distribution over non-equilibrium paths between two thermalized states. The validity of the response function extends over a linear as well as a nonlinear regime, and far from equilibrium situations.