Entropic Balance with Feedback Control: Information Equalities and Tight Inequalities

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Physical Systems

Background:

• Feedback-controlled systems are crucial in thermodynamics.
• Understanding entropy balance and extractable work is key.
• Current methods for calculating bounds are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified Markovian description for feedback-controlled systems.
• To derive novel second-law equalities and tighter bounds for extractable work.
• To analyze the impact of measurement accuracy on work extraction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Markovian description of system dynamics.
• Applying principles of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Analyzing entropy balance and work extraction under feedback control.

Main Results:

• A simplified Markovian framework for entropy balance.
• Novel, tighter, and easier-to-evaluate bounds for extractable work.
• Demonstration of bound saturation for extractable work with error-free measurements.
• Identification of an interval of measurement uncertainty where Markovian bounds are superior.

Conclusions:

• The Markovian approach offers theoretical and practical advantages for entropy balance.
• New bounds for extractable work are more efficient and accurate.
• The framework provides insights into work extraction limitations due to measurement imperfections.