Informatics Carnot Machine

TL;DR

This paper links entropy and information in light pulses, demonstrating that a sequence of coded light pulses in an optical fiber functions as a Carnot machine, thus suggesting entropy can be interpreted as information under specific conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective connecting thermodynamic entropy with Shannon information through optical pulse analysis and Carnot cycle analogy.

Findings

Light pulses carry entropy proportional to Gibbs mixing entropy.

Optical fiber transmission acts as a Carnot machine.

Entropy can be interpreted as information in certain physical conditions.

Abstract

Based on Planck's blackbody equation it is argued that a single mode light pulse, with a large number of photons, carries one entropy unit. Similarly, an empty radiation mode carries no entropy. In this case, the calculated entropy that a coded sequence of light pulses is carrying is simply the Gibbs mixing entropy, which is identical to the logical Shannon information. This approach is supported by a demonstration that information transmission and amplification, by a sequence of light pulses in an optical fiber, is a classic Carnot machine comprising of two isothermals and two adiabatic. Therefore it is concluded that entropy under certain conditions is information.