Optimal Finite-time Maxwell's Demons in Langevin Systems

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework to determine the most thermodynamically efficient protocols for Maxwell's demons operating in Langevin systems within finite time, applicable to both Gaussian and non-Gaussian processes.

Contribution

It introduces a general method based on optimal transport theory to find minimal entropy production protocols for finite-time information processing in Langevin systems, including Maxwell's demons.

Findings

Derived a concise expression for minimal entropy production in Gaussian processes.

Demonstrated optimal demon protocols for both Gaussian and non-Gaussian models.

Provided a strategy for thermodynamically optimal control of colloidal particles and biomolecules.

Abstract

We identify the optimal protocols to achieve the minimal entropy production in finite-time information exchange processes in Langevin systems, on the basis of optimal transport theory. Our general results hold even for non-Gaussian cases, while we derive a concise expression of the minimal entropy production for Gaussian processes. In particular, we apply our results to Maxwell's demons that perform measurement and feedback, and demonstrate Gaussian and non-Gaussian models of optimal demons operating in finite time. Our results provide a general strategy for controlling Langevin systems, including colloidal particles and biomolecules, in a thermodynamically optimal manner beyond the quasi-static limit.