Maxwell's demons with finite size and response time

Abstract

Nearly all theoretical analyses of the Maxwell's demon focus on its energetic and entropic costs of operation. Here, we focus on its rate of operation. In our model, a demon's rate limitation stems from its finite response time and gate area. We determine the rate limits of mass and energy transfer, as well as entropic reduction for four such demons: Those that select particles according to (1) direction, (2) energy, (3) number and (4) entropy. Lastly, we determine the optimal gate size for a demon with small, finite response time, and compare our predictions with molecular dynamics simulations with both ideal and non-ideal gasses. Lastly, we study the conditions under which the demons are able to move both energy and particles in the chosen direction when attempting to only move one.