The Boltzmann Entropy and Randomness Tests
Abstract
In the context of the dynamical systems of classical mechanics, we introduce two new notions called "algorithmic fine-grain and coarse-grain entropy". The fine-grain algorithmic entropy is, on the one hand, a simple variant of the randomness tests of Martin-Löf (and others) and is, on the other hand, a connecting link between description (Kolmogorov) complexity, Gibbs entropy and Boltzmann entropy. The coarse-grain entropy is a slight correction to Boltzmann's coarse-grain entropy. Its main advantage is its less partition-dependence, which is because algorithmic entropies for different coarse grainings are approximations of one and the same fine-grain entropy. It has the desirable properties of Boltzmann entropy in a wider range of systems, including those of interest in the "thermodynamics of computation". It also helps explain the behavior of some unusual spin systems arising from cellular automata.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
Computability
Logic
AI Algorithms
Theoretical and Computational Physics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Entropy
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 429–429
- Publication date
- 11 April 2026
- Language
- EN