Entropy generation in a model of reversible computation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model demonstrating that quantum effects can cause physical irreversibility in reversible computations, highlighting fundamental thermodynamic implications.

Contribution

It reveals how quantum control signals induce physical irreversibility in logically reversible processes, bridging quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.

Findings

Quantum control signals generate entropy in reversible computations.

Physical irreversibility arises from quantum effects in the control mechanisms.

The model links quantum control to thermodynamic irreversibility.

Abstract

We present a model in which, due to the quantum nature of the signals controlling the implementation time of successive unitary computational steps, \emph{physical} irreversibility appears in the execution of a \emph{logically} reversible computation.