Thermodynamics of information loss in spectroscopic measurements

K. D. Mohan; M. A. Khan; A. N. Dharamsi

doi:10.1117/12.685219

17 October 2006 Thermodynamics of information loss in spectroscopic measurements

K. D. Mohan, M. A. Khan, A. N. Dharamsi

Proceedings Volume 6377, Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies IV; 63770Q (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.685219
Event: Optics East 2006, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Abstract

Absorption and emission spectroscopy measurements have been extensively and effectively utilized in the probing and monitoring of gases. As in any real experimental situation, the measurement of absorption or emission profiles results in a loss of information due to practical limitations, such as a finite precision of the detector. Also, it is now accepted that there is a relationship between information loss and thermodynamics. Hence, the question "How much information, in bits, is lost when making a practical spectroscopic measurement and how much heat is generated in the process?" arises. Shannon's information theoretical concepts are used to quantify the information lost due to the finite precision in wavelength measurement, of a detector used in a spectroscopic measurement. The heat generated in such a detector is also studied. The relationship between the heat generated and information lost as a result of the finite precision of a practical detector is investigated.

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K. D. Mohan, M. A. Khan, and A. N. Dharamsi "Thermodynamics of information loss in spectroscopic measurements", Proc. SPIE 6377, Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies IV, 63770Q (17 October 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.685219

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