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Kuen W. Tang, Kyle J. Ray, and James P. Crutchfield |
ABSTRACT: We implement a Szilard engine that uses a 2-bit logical unit consisting of coupled quantum flux parametrons—Josephson-junction superconducting circuits originally designed for quantum computing. Detailed simulations show that it is highly thermodynamically efficient while functioning as a Maxwell demon. The physically-calibrated design is targeted to direct experimental exploration. However, variations in Josephson junction fabrication introduce asymmetries that result in energy inefficiency and low operational fidelity. We provide a design solution that mitigates these practical challenges. The resulting platform is ideally suited to probe the thermodynamic foundations of information processing devices far from equilibrium.