Breaking information-thermodynamics link

TL;DR

This paper revisits the fundamental link between information and thermodynamics, proposing a complementary relationship rather than equivalence, and introduces a new formula considering encoding accuracy and stability, supported by recent experimental discussions.

Contribution

It introduces a revised framework for the information-thermodynamics relationship, replacing Landauer's formula with a more comprehensive one that accounts for information encoding quality.

Findings

Proposes complementarity instead of equivalence between entropy and information.

Introduces a new formula for minimal information processing cost.

Critically discusses recent experiments on information-energy conversion.

Abstract

The information-thermodynamics link is revisited, going back to the analysis of Szilard's engine. It is argued that instead of equivalence rather complementarity of physical entropy and information theoretical one is a correct concept. Famous Landauer's formula for a minimal cost of information processing is replaced by a new one which takes into account accuracy and stability of information encoding. Two recent experiments illustrating the information-energy conversion are critically discussed.