Characterizing dynamical transitions in bistable system using   non-equilibrium measurement of work
  We show how 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 linear as well as nonlinear regime and far from equilibrium situations. 
Pulak Kumar Ghosh and Deb Shankar Ray
physics.chem-ph cond-mat.stat-mech