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High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
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Thermodynamic Irreversibility in Optical Bistability.

G Keijsers1, R M de Boer1, B Verdonschot1

  • 1AMOLF, Center for Nanophotonics, Science Park 104, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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|July 10, 2026
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Summary

We show thermodynamic irreversibility in optical switches. This research uses driven-dissipative optical resonators to explore stochastic thermodynamics and the energy cost of optical switching.

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Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Optical Physics
  • Quantum Optics

Background:

  • Stochastic thermodynamics studies systems with inherent randomness.
  • Optical cavities are fundamental components in photonics and quantum technologies.
  • Understanding irreversibility is key to improving energy efficiency in devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate and quantify thermodynamic irreversibility in a driven bistable optical cavity.
  • To explore the role of subsystem interactions in composite system irreversibility.
  • To establish optical resonators as a platform for stochastic thermodynamics experiments.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental measurement of phase space probability currents.
  • Estimation of irreversibility using relative entropy.
  • Theoretical modeling of driven-dissipative systems.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated thermodynamic irreversibility via broken detailed balance.
  • Quantified irreversibility using relative entropy of switching events.
  • Theoretical model confirmed dependence of irreversibility on subsystem interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Driven-dissipative optical resonators serve as a viable platform for stochastic thermodynamics.
  • The findings shed light on the minimum energy requirements for optical switches.
  • This work bridges fundamental thermodynamics with practical optical device engineering.