Maxwell's demon in a double quantum dot with continuous charge detection

Abstract

Converting information into work has during the last decade gained renewed interest as it gives insight into the relation between information theory and thermodynamics. Here we theoretically investigate an implementation of Maxwell's demon in a double quantum dot and demonstrate how heat can be converted into work using only information. This is accomplished by continuously monitoring the charge state of the quantum dots and transferring electrons against a voltage bias using a feedback scheme. We investigate the electrical work produced by the demon and find a non-Gaussian work distribution. To illustrate the effect of a realistic charge detection scheme, we develop a model taking into account noise as well as a finite delay time, and show that an experimental realization is feasible with present day technology. Depending on the accuracy of the measurement, the system is operated as an implementation of Maxwell's demon or a single-electron pump.