An Atom-optical Maxwell Demon

One-photon atomic cooling with an optical Maxwell demon valve

We discuss the relationship between recent proposals of ‘atom diodes’ or oneway barriers for ultracold atoms and a Maxwell demon valve: in particular the way in which these proposals make use of dissipation via a one-photon spontaneous emission and avoid violation of the second law.

Maxwell ’ s demon

A Solid-State Maxwell Demon

A laboratory-testable, solid-state Maxwell demon is proposed that utilizes the electric field energy of an open-gap p-n junction. Numerical results from a commercial semiconductor device simulator (Silvaco International – Atlas) verify primary results from a 1-D analytic model. Present day fabrication techniques appear adequate for laboratory tests of principle.

The Maxwell demon in the osmotic membrane

The dielectric with index of refraction n is inserted in the Planck blackbody. The spectral formula for photons in such dielectric medium and the equation for the temperature of photons is derived. The new equation is solved for the constant index of refraction. The photon flow initiates the osmotic pressure of he Debye phonons. The dielectric crystal surface works as the osmotic membrane with ...

Observing a quantum Maxwell demon at work.

In apparent contradiction to the laws of thermodynamics, Maxwell's demon is able to cyclically extract work from a system in contact with a thermal bath, exploiting the information about its microstate. The resolution of this paradox required the insight that an intimate relationship exists between information and thermodynamics. Here, we realize a Maxwell demon experiment that tracks the state...