List of Publications: see Google Scholar.
"A theory with mathematical beauty is more likely to be correct
than an ugly one that fits some experimental data." — Paul Dirac
"Everything should be made as simple as possible,
but not simpler." — Albert Einstein
On Math v Physics v Biology — my mentor, Hong Qian.
"Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!"— my mentor, Ken Dill.
I develop stochastic-process math and statistical-physics theories to understand the design principles of stochastic dynamics. I apply them to complex systems across scales, e.g. molecular machines, neuronal networks, ecological populations, etc.
Last Update: Feb 10, 2026
I developed Caliber Force Theory (CFT), a Nonequilibrium framework parallel to the two-law Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics.
Synthesis:
Formulation: Yang & Dill, arXiv:2410.17495v3 (2025)
Review and Posting the Problem: Pachter, Yang, and Dill, Nat Rev Phys (2024)
Entropy Production is only an example of "process contrasting": Yang & Qian Phys. Rev. E (2020)
1st Law:
for Stochastic Differential Equation: Qian, Cheng and Yang, EPL (2020); Yang and Qian, J Stat Phys (2021); Yang and Cheng, J Phys A (2021).
for continuous-time Markov Jump: Yang & Dill, arXiv:2410.17495v3 (2025)
for discrete-time Markov chain: Yang and Qian, Annals of Physics (2024)
2nd Law:
Large Deviation Theory & Statistical Uncertainty Principle: Yang and Qian, Annals of Physics (2024)
Maximum Caliber: Yang and Qian, Annals of Physics (2024) ; Yang & Dill, arXiv:2410.17495v3 (2025)
Fluctuation and Response relations in statistical physics are useful for control. However, they were typically derived for near-equilibrium, linear responses. We generalize them to far-from-equilibrium flows.
Based on CFT:
Design rule, Fast Evaluation, and New Relations: Yang & Dill, arXiv:2602.10957 (2026)
Two-Law based Derivation: Yang& Dill, arXiv:2410.17495v3 (2025)
Based on Martingale:
Doob decomposition and Time-translational symmetry: Yang and Qian, Phys. Rev. E (2023)
I apply nonequilibrium physics and probability and dynamical system math to understand biological phenomena.
Applying Nonequilibrium Physics to understand Adaptation to Varying Environments: Yang, Kocher, and Dill, arXiv.2506.19018 (2025)
Inferring Effective Neuronal Response and Synaptic Coupling from Spiking Network Data: Chen and Yang, arXiv.2405.15206 (2025)
Modeling Anticipatory Dynamics: Yang, Chen, Lai, and Chan, Phys Rev E (2015)
(2022) Thermodynamic Principles of Stochastic Dynamics: Time Symmetries and Data Infinitum,
University of Washington, Seattle, ISBN: 9798837531200
(2016) Anticipatory Dynamics in Adaptive Excitable Systems,
National Taiwan University, DOI: 10.6342/ntu201600683