Quantum information processing by a continuous Maxwell demon

George Chapline

Rajendra Bhandari

Adrian Chapman, Akimasa Miyake

Paul N. Fahn

Sebastian Deffner

We describe a minimal model of a quantum Maxwell demon obeying Hamiltonian dynamics. The model is solved exactly, and we analyze its steady-state behavior. We find that writing information to a quantum memory induces a probability current through the demon, which is the quantum analog of the classical Maxwell demon's action. Our model offers a simple and pedagogical paradigm for investigating the thermodynamics of quantum information processing.

A. de Oliveira, Jonatan Bohr Brask, Rafael Chaves

The birth, life, and death of Maxwell’s demon provoked a profound discussion about the interplay between thermodynamics, computation, and information. Even after its resolution, the demon continues to inspire a multidisciplinary field. This tutorial offers a comprehensive overview of Maxwell’s demon and its enduring influence, bridging classical concepts with modern insights in thermodynamics, information theory, and quantum mechanics.