Thermodynamic Irreversibility in Optical Bistability
Abstract
We demonstrate thermodynamic irreversibility in the stochastic switching of a coherently driven bistable optical cavity. We present measurements of phase space probability currents evidencing the breaking of detailed balance associated with thermodynamic irreversibility. We also estimate the magnitude of the irreversibility via the relative entropy of up and down switches. Our experimental observations are supported by a theoretical model, illustrating how the magnitude of the irreversibility of composite systems strongly depends on the interactions between subsystems (modes) regardless of their driven-dissipative nature. Our work establishes driven-dissipative optical resonators as a platform for experiments in stochastic thermodynamics, which could in turn help answer the long-standing question of what is the minimum energy required for an optical switch.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mechanical and Optical Resonators
Strong Light-Matter Interactions
Optical properties and cooling technologies in crystalline materials
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 136
- Issue
- 25
- Pages
- 253803–253803
- Publication date
- 20 May 2026
- Language
- EN