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Experimental Verification of Demon-Involved Fluctuation Theorems
L-L Yan1,2, J-T Bu3,4, Qian Zeng5
1Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Laboratory of Zhongyuan Light, <a href="https://ror.org/04ypx8c21">Zhengzhou University</a>, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Researchers experimentally verified fluctuation theorems in ultracold ions, confirming nonequilibrium from Maxwell
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Information
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- The Maxwell demon paradox explores the limits of energy saving in small systems.
- Recent advancements in fluctuation theorems offer new insights into nonequilibrium thermodynamics.
- Experimental verification of these theorems is crucial for understanding microscale systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally verify newly proposed fluctuation theorems and inequalities.
- To investigate the role of a Maxwell demon in creating intrinsic nonequilibrium.
- To explore the thermodynamic cost of information processing in nanoscale systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultracold ^{40}Ca^{+} ion system for experimental control.
- Implemented demon-involved control protocols, including the Szilard engine protocol.
- Measured extracted work and demon's efficacy under nonequilibrium conditions.
Main Results:
- First experimental verification of fluctuation equalities and inequalities in a quantum system.
- Confirmed intrinsic nonequilibrium in the ion system due to the Maxwell demon's involvement.
- Observed tighter bounds on extracted work and demon efficacy than predicted by the Sagawa-Ueda theorem.
- Provided quantitative evidence of dissipative information.
Conclusions:
- Established a direct link between the physical nature of information and microscale nonequilibrium processes.
- Demonstrated that information processing has thermodynamic costs at the nanoscale.
- Results inform the optimal design of energy-efficient nanoscale and smaller systems.
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