Stochastic thermodynamics of resetting

Jaco Fuchs, Sebastian Goldt, Udo Seifert

Published 2016-03-03Version 1

Stochastic dynamics with random resetting leads to a non-equilibrium steady state. Here, we consider the thermodynamics of resetting by deriving the first and second law for reset processes far from equilibrium. We identify the contributions to the entropy production of the system which arise due to resetting and show that they correspond to the rate with which information is either erased or created. Using Landauer's principle, we derive a bound on the amount of work that is required to maintain a resetting process. We discuss different regimes of resetting, including a Maxwell's demon scenario where heat is extracted from a bath at constant temperature.