Momčilo Gavrilov

Bio: Momčilo Gavrilov is an academic researcher from Simon Fraser University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Feedback loop & DNA. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 27 publications receiving 577 citations. Previous affiliations of Momčilo Gavrilov include Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine & Johns Hopkins University.

High-Precision Test of Landauer’s Principle in a Feedback Trap

Abstract: We confirm Landauer’s 1961 hypothesis that reducing the number of possible macroscopic states in a system by a factor of 2 requires work of at least kT ln2. Our experiment uses a colloidal particle in a timedependent, virtual potential created by a feedback trap to implement Landauer’s erasure operation. In a control experiment, similar manipulations that do not reduce the number of system states can be done reversibly. Erasing information thus requires work. In individual cycles, the work to erase can be below the Landauer limit, consistent with the Jarzynski equality.

Brownian Duet: A Novel Tale of Thermodynamic Efficiency

Abstract: We thank Laila Singh for suggesting the term "tease." This work was supported by the Flemish Science Foundation (FWO-Vlaanderen) Travel Grant No. K201516N and by a Discovery Grant to J.B. from NSERC (Canada).

Erasure without Work in an Asymmetric Double-Well Potential.

Abstract: Here, we present an experimental study of erasure for a memory encoded in an asymmetric double-well potential. Using a feedback trap, we find that the average work to erase can be less than \(kT\ln 2\).

Direct measurement of weakly nonequilibrium system entropy is consistent with Gibbs–Shannon form

Abstract: Stochastic thermodynamics extends classical thermodynamics to small systems in contact with one or more heat baths. It can account for the effects of thermal fluctuations and describe systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium. A basic assumption is that the expression for Shannon entropy is the appropriate description for the entropy of a nonequilibrium system in such a setting. Here we measure experimentally this function in a system that is in local but not global equilibrium. Our system is a micron-scale colloidal particle in water, in a virtual double-well potential created by a feedback trap. We measure the work to erase a fraction of a bit of information and show that it is bounded by the Shannon entropy for a two-state system. Further, by measuring directly the reversibility of slow protocols, we can distinguish unambiguously between protocols that can and cannot reach the expected thermodynamic bounds.

Real-Time Calibration of a Feedback Trap

Abstract: Feedback traps use closed-loop control to trap or manipulate small particles and molecules in solution. They have been applied to the measurement of physical and chemical properties of particles and to explore fundamental questions in the non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of small systems. These applications have been hampered by drifts in the electric forces used to manipulate the particles. Although the drifts are small for measurements on the order of seconds, they dominate on time scales of minutes or slower. Here, we show that a recursive maximum likelihood (RML) algorithm can allow real-time measurement and control of electric and stochastic forces over time scales of hours. Simulations show that the RML algorithm recovers known parameters accurately. Experimental estimates of diffusion coefficients are also consistent with expected physical properties.

Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry

Abstract: N G van Kampen 1981 Amsterdam: North-Holland xiv + 419 pp price Dfl 180 This is a book which, at a lower price, could be expected to become an essential part of the library of every physical scientist concerned with problems involving fluctuations and stochastic processes, as well as those who just enjoy a beautifully written book. It provides an extensive graduate-level introduction which is clear, cautious, interesting and readable.

Thermodynamics of information

Abstract: By its very nature, the second law of thermodynamics is probabilistic, in that its formulation requires a probabilistic description of the state of a system. This raises questions about the objectivity of the second law: does it depend, for example, on what we know about the system? For over a century, much effort has been devoted to incorporating information into thermodynamics and assessing the entropic and energetic costs of manipulating information. More recently, this historically theoretical pursuit has become relevant in practical situations where information is manipulated at small scales, such as in molecular and cell biology, artificial nano-devices or quantum computation. Here we give an introduction to a novel theoretical framework for the thermodynamics of information based on stochastic thermodynamics and fluctuation theorems, review some recent experimental results, and present an overview of the state of the art in the field. The task of integrating information into the framework of thermodynamics dates back to Maxwell and his infamous demon. Recent advances have made these ideas rigorous—and brought them into the laboratory.

Quantum Thermodynamics

Abstract: Quantum thermodynamics is an emerging research field aiming to extend standard thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics to ensembles of sizes well below the thermodynamic limit, in non-equilibrium situations, and with the full inclusion of quantum effects Fuelled by experimental advances and the potential of future nanoscale applications this research effort is pursued by scientists with different backgrounds, including statistical physics, many-body theory, mesoscopic physics and quantum information theory, who bring various tools and methods to the field A multitude of theoretical questions are being addressed ranging from issues of thermalisation of quantum systems and various definitions of "work", to the efficiency and power of quantum engines This overview provides a perspective on a selection of these current trends accessible to postgraduate students and researchers alike

Quantum speed limits: from Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle to optimal quantum control

Abstract: We are grateful to Marta Paczy´nska for creating the visual representation of Einstein’s gedankenexperiment, Fig. 1, and Lu (Lucy) Hou for providing the resources for Fig. 4. SD would like to thank Eric Lutz for many years of insightful discussions and supporting mentorship, and in particular for inciting our interest in quantum speed limits. This work was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. CHE-1648973.

Efficiency at maximum power: An analytically solvable model for stochastic heat engines

Abstract: We study a class of cyclic Brownian heat engines in the framework of finite-time thermodynamics. For infinitely long cycle times, the engine works at the Carnot efficiency limit producing, however, zero power. For the efficiency at maximum power, we find a universal expression, different from the endoreversible Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency. Our results are illustrated with a simple one-dimensional engine working in and with a time-dependent harmonic potential.