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The End of the Thermodynamics of Computation: A No Go Result

Norton, John D. (2013) The End of the Thermodynamics of Computation: A No Go Result. In: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers.

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    Abstract

    The thermodynamics of computation assumes that computational processes at the molecular level can be brought arbitrarily close to thermodynamic reversibility; and that thermodynamic entropy creation is unavoidable only in data erasure or the merging of computational paths, in accord with Landauer’s principle. The no go result shows that fluctuations preclude completion of thermodynamically reversible processes. Completion can be achieved only by irreversible processes that create thermodynamic entropy in excess of the Landauer limit.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: entropy, fluctuations, Landauer's Principle, thermodynamics of computation
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Computation/Information
    Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: John Norton
    Date Deposited: 01 Apr 2013 08:10
    Last Modified: 01 Apr 2013 08:10
    Item ID: 9658
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9658

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