Title: Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of “smart” active matter
Abstract: Thanks to a fast-growing literature on the subject, much is today known about the non-equilibrium physics of motile active matter — namely, of agents such as molecular machines, microswimmers, and catalytic colloids that locally convert environmental resources into mechanical work for the purpose of self-propulsion. Models that integrate such force generation with the recording, processing, and relaying of information at the single-agent level, on the other hand, remain comparatively less explored. While the field of information thermodynamics (epitomized by Landauer’s principle) has largely elucidated the interplay between energy and information in the physics of computation, extensions of this framework to “smart” agents embedded in, and capable of performing work on, their surrounding environment are yet to be established. In this talk, I will present two ongoing research projects that aim to identify fundamental physical constraints in such systems. The first involves a generalisation of the active Brownian particle (ABP) model to include sensing and actuation; the second establishes a generic platform for a consistent thermodynamics of programmable, adaptive nanomachines.
Note: This seminar will be happening in-person only.
Location: Huxley 311, 15.00-16.00.