A Shortcut to Finite-time Memory Erasure

TL;DR

This paper introduces a shortcut control method using thermodynamic geometry to enable fast, energy-efficient memory erasure within finite time, overcoming system response delays.

Contribution

It presents a novel shortcut protocol for finite-time memory erasure that minimizes energy cost and improves reset accuracy using auxiliary control and thermodynamic geometry.

Findings

The protocol reduces energy dissipation during erasure.

It achieves faster memory reset within finite time.

The method is grounded in thermodynamic geometric principles.

Abstract

To achieve fast computation, it is crucial to reset the memory to a desired state within a limited time. However, the inherent delay in the system's response often prevents reaching the desired state once the control process is completed in finite time. To address this challenge, we propose a shortcut strategy that incorporates an auxiliary control to guide the system towards an equilibrium state that corresponds to the intended control, thus enabling accurate memory reset. Through the application of thermodynamic geometry, we derive an optimal shortcut protocol for erasure processes that minimizes the energy cost. This research provides an effective design principle for realizing the finite-time erasure process while simultaneously reducing the energy cost, thereby alleviating the burden of heat dissipation.