Stochastic non-equilibrium systems

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Abstract
Recent advances in the theory of non-equilibrium systems are reviewed. The emphasis is on collective behaviour, particularly non-equilibrium stochastic dynamics and steady state phase transitions. The models discussed are largely lattice-based 'exclusion' models (with hard core interactions) which can include a wide variety of collective stochastic processes and phenomena. The techniques employed range from intuitive reasoning and approximate mean field approaches to scaling and renormalization group methods, and to exact descriptions in terms of operator algebras, where many new results are included. Mappings to quantum systems, particularly lattice spin models, are also exploited, which provide new viewpoints and allow the use of standard techniques including Bethe ansatz and free fermion solutions.