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arXiv · 1104.0332

Thermodynamic Reversibility in Feedback Processes

Jordan M. Horowitz·Juan M. R. Parrondo
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Abstract

The sum of the average work dissipated plus the information gained during a thermodynamic process with discrete feedback must exceed zero. We demonstrate that the minimum value of zero is attained only by feedback-reversible processes that are indistinguishable from their time-reversal, thereby extending the notion of thermodynamic reversibility to feedback processes. In addition, we prove that in every realization of a feedback-reversible process the sum of the work dissipated and change in uncertainty is zero.

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Jordan M. Horowitz, Juan M. R. Parrondo. 2011-06-10. Thermodynamic Reversibility in Feedback Processes. https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075%2F95%2F10005

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