Operational derivation of Boltzmann distribution with Maxwell's demon model

Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 24:5:17011. doi: 10.1038/srep17011.

Abstract

The resolution of the Maxwell's demon paradox linked thermodynamics with information theory through information erasure principle. By considering a demon endowed with a Turing-machine consisting of a memory tape and a processor, we attempt to explore the link towards the foundations of statistical mechanics and to derive results therein in an operational manner. Here, we present a derivation of the Boltzmann distribution in equilibrium as an example, without hypothesizing the principle of maximum entropy. Further, since the model can be applied to non-equilibrium processes, in principle, we demonstrate the dissipation-fluctuation relation to show the possibility in this direction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't