title: Large deviation analysis of a simple information engine.
abstract: Information thermodynamics provides a framework for studying the effect of feedback loops on entropy production. It has enabled the understanding of novel thermodynamic systems such as the information engine, which can be seen as a modern version of "Maxwell's Dæmon," whereby a feedback controller processes information gained by measurements in order to extract work. Here, we analyze a simple model of such an engine that uses feedback control based on measurements to obtain negative entropy production. We focus on the distribution and fluctuations of the information obtained by the feedback controller. Significantly, our model allows an analytic treatment for a two-state system with exact calculation of the large deviation rate function. These results suggest an approximate technique for larger systems, which is corroborated by simulation data.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Complexity Science, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maitland
authors.affiliation: Centre for Complexity Science, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grosskinsky
authors.affiliation: School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rosemary J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Harris