Maxwell's Demon

TL;DR

This paper reviews the historical and theoretical challenges posed by Maxwell's Demon to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, discussing quantum and information-theoretic resolutions.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Maxwell's Demon problem and introduces a quantum perspective to reinforce the Second Law's validity.

Findings

Quantum uncertainty principles can decisively defeat Maxwell's Demon.

Memory erasure and measurement are critical in understanding the Demon.

Quantum features provide a firm foundation for the Second Law.

Abstract

This work provides an overview of key historical developments in the formulation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, focusing on the notorious challenge of ``Maxwell's Demon'', a hypothetical creature who could presumably violate that law. It begins by recalling Maxwell's challenge and discussing the apparent loophole in the Second Law that appears to make such a violation possible. An alternative formulation of the Demon challenge by Szilard is considered, along with his attempted defeat of the Demon through reference to measurement. A similar effort by Brillouin is also analyzed. The proposal of Bennett to defeat the Demon through the requirement of memory erasure is critically discussed. Finally, it is proposed that the Second Law gains a firm foundation through neglected features of quantum theory. In particular, an application of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is shown to decisively defeat the Demon, as well as to serve as justification for Landauer's Principle, albeit in terms distinct from the usual computational formulation.