# Stochastic Thermodynamics and SDE-based Generative Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.18290 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.18290/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Diffusion foundations and sampling, one of 14 directions in Diffusion models.
- Builds on 0 of its 1 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 13 Jun 2026.

## Placed in

- Diffusion models / [Diffusion foundations and sampling](https://mlsanity.com/diffusion/diffusion-foundations-and-sampling/)

## Abstract (arXiv)

SDE-based generative models, including diffusion models and the Schr"odinger bridge, have found broad applications in signal processing tasks such as speech enhancement, image restoration, and time-series generation. This note presents a modeling framework for such models within the context of stochastic thermodynamics. The main results of this note are trajectory-level definitions of work, heat, and entropy production, along with a generalized Jarzynski identity and a second-law-like inequality. The proposed framework extends the original Jarzynski setup to accommodate time-dependent bath temperature and nonconservative driving forces. This thermodynamic perspective may deepen our understanding of diffusion models and the Schr"odinger bridge from a nonequilibrium statistical mechanics viewpoint.