On the lack of relation between physics and "Quantum discord and Maxwell's demons"

TL;DR

This paper critiques recent claims linking quantum discord and Maxwell's demons, arguing that the limitations of the demon are rooted in physical principles rather than information-theoretic or IQ considerations.

Contribution

It provides two definitive exorcisms of Maxwell's demon, showing that physical laws, not information theory or intelligence, prevent the demon's success.

Findings

Information-theoretic arguments do not address Maxwell's problem.

Physical laws impose fundamental limits on the demon.

Two exorcisms demonstrate the physical impossibility of the demon's task.

Abstract

The information-theoretic arguments presented in a recent publication on "Quantum discord and Maxwell's demons" are discussed, and found not to address the problem specified by Maxwell. Two interrelated and definitive exorcisms of the demon, one purely thermodynamic, and the other quantum-thermodynamic are briefly discussed. For each of the two exorcisms, the demon is shown to be incapable to accomplish his assignment neither because of limitations arising from information-theoretic tools at his disposal, nor because of the value of his IQ. The limitations are due to the physics of the state of the system on which he is asked to perform his demonic acts.