Memory-controlled random bit generator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a microscopic system where the memory time of a viscoelastic environment controls the generation, stability, and erasure of binary information encoded in a Brownian particle's motion.

Contribution

It proposes a novel setup utilizing memory effects in a viscoelastic bath to control binary information storage and generation at microscopic scales.

Findings

Memory time influences stable bit states and chaotic erasure.

The system can reliably generate and store binary sequences.

Analysis shows the stability and randomness of the generated bits.

Abstract

Nowadays a bit is no longer a mere abstraction but a physical quantity whose manipulation governs both operation of modern technologies and theoretical frontiers of fundamental science. In this work we propose a setup in which the memory time can be utilized to control the generation and storage of binary information. In particular, we consider a nonequilibrium Brownian particle immersed in a viscoelastic environment and dwelling in a spatially periodic potential. We interpret its average velocity as a bit and show that depending on the memory time characterizing the viscoelastic bath the particle can be either in one of two stable states representing the bit values or in a chaotic state in which the information is erased and a new bit can be generated. We analyze randomness of the so obtained bit sequence and assess the stability of the produced values. Our study provides a blueprint for storing and processing information in a microscopic system using its memory.