Asymptotic properties of markovian master equations

An asymptotic method of analysis of fluctuations in systems far from equilibrium is developed. A systematic singular perturbative expansion of the equation for the generating function is set up, using as smallness parameter the inverse of the size of the system. Static and time-dependent properties are analysed before, near and at a bifurcation point, both for homogeneous and inhomogeneous fluctuations. The connection with critical phenomena near equilibrium is also discussed.