Maxwell's Demon and Data Compression

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the equivalence of information and thermodynamic entropies in a Maxwell's demon model, showing that optimal data compression aligns the work gain with the work needed for memory reset, linking information theory and thermodynamics.

Contribution

It establishes a precise connection between data compression and thermodynamic entropy in Maxwell's demon, highlighting the role of optimal information erasure.

Findings

Work gain equals work for memory reset under optimal compression

Information and thermodynamic entropies are equivalent in the model

Optimal data compression aligns thermodynamic and informational costs

Abstract

In an asymmetric Szilard engine model of Maxwell's demon, we show the equivalence between information theoretical and thermodynamic entropies when the demon erases information optimally. The work gain by the engine can be exactly canceled out by the work necessary to reset demon's memory after optimal data compression a la Shannon before the erasure.