Optimal time-entropy bounds and speed limits for Brownian thermal shortcuts

Abstract

By controlling in real-time the variance of the radiation pressure exerted on an optically trapped microsphere, we engineer temperature protocols that shortcut thermal relaxation when transferring the microsphere from one thermal equilibrium state to an other. We identify the entropic footprint of such accelerated transfers and derive optimal temperature protocols that either minimize the production of entropy for a given transfer duration or accelerate as much as possible the transfer for a given entropic cost. Optimizing the trade-off yields time-entropy bounds that put speed limits on thermalization schemes. We further show how optimization expands the possibilities for accelerating Brownian thermalization down to its fundamental limits. Our approach paves the way for the design of optimized, finite-time thermodynamic cycles at the mesoscale. It also offers a platform for investigating fundamental connections between information geometry and finite-time processes.

4 pages, 3 figures, plus Appendix

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• Optimal finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics
• Exponentially faster cooling in a colloidal system
• Instantaneous equilibrium Transport for Brownian systems under time-dependent temperature and potential variations: Reversibility, Heat and work relations, and Fast Isentropic process

Cited by in corpus (5)

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• Non-equilibrium memory effects: granular fluids and beyond
• Tailoring bistability in optical tweezers with vortex beams and spherical aberration
• Minimum time connection between non-equilibrium steady states: the Brownian gyrator
• Brownian Fluctuations of a non-confining potential