Cycle affinity and winding localize eigenvalues of Markov generators (opens in new tab)

The complex eigenvalues of Markov generators govern oscillatory properties of relaxation, autocorrelation, and linear response. Here we show that these eigenvalues are localized by nonequilibrium cycles of the generator, thus revealing a fundamental tradeoff between thermodynamic driving, oscillation, and decay of eigenmodes. Specifically, we prove that each complex eigenvalue is confined to a region determined by the cycle affinity and the eige...