Direct thermodynamic measurements of the energetics of information processing

Abstract

The dilution refrigerator system requested will provide a low temperature environment from 20mK to 1K, to enable measurements of the thermodynamics of information processing. While physical realizations of information processing can be demonstrated in many macroscopic systems at room temperature, the thermodynamics of heat flow and entropy generation in such cases is completely overwhelmed by the environment given the minuscule nature of the signals. Carrying out experiments at ultralow temperatures and with nanoscale devices enables us to isolate the degrees-of-freedom relevant to the information storage, and to "freeze out" those that are irrelevant. This approach will enable detection of irreversible thermodynamics related to logic transitions directly in nanoscale systems.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Dec 04, 2018
Source ID
W911NF1510342

Entities

People

  • Michael Roukes

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • California Institute of Technology
  • United States Army

Tags

Readers

  • Electrochemical Surface Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology