Theoretical bound of the efficiency of learning

Abstract

A unified thermodynamic formalism describing the efficiency of learning is proposed. First, we derive an inequality, which is more strength than Clausius's inequality, revealing the lower bound of the entropy-production rate of a subsystem. Second, the inequality is transformed to determine the general upper limit for the efficiency of learning. In particular, we exemplify the bound of the efficiency in nonequilibrium quantum-dot systems and networks of living cells. The framework provides a fundamental trade-off relationship between energy and information inheriting in stochastic thermodynamic processes.