A Model of Entropy Production

TL;DR

This paper develops a rigorous model linking information entropy reduction during photon absorption to thermodynamic entropy production, clarifying the relationship between quantum measurement, information erasure, and entropy in quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a new model of entropy production in photon absorption, connecting information entropy reduction with thermodynamic entropy increase in quantum systems.

Findings

Photon absorption reduces information entropy of the absorber.

Entropy production balances the entropy decrease during measurement.

Links established between quantum measurement, Maxwell's Demon, and entropy.

Abstract

A key tenet of the Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics is the idea that photon absorption localizes the absorbing material system. In doing so, it measures the location of the absorber and hence reduces information entropy, which in turn needs to be balanced by appropriate entropy production, if there is a link between information entropy and thermodynamic entropy. Based on a critical analysis of the physics of information erasure, we clarify the link between information and thermodynamic entropy and develop a rigorous model of entropy production in photon absorption processes. Links to the intepretation of quantum probabilities and Maxwell's Demon are made.