In this interview with Jaklin Kwan of New Scientist, Professor John Goold, Co-Director of Rinn Quantum and Professor of Physics at Trinity College Dublin, discusses Maxwell's demon, one of the most enduring paradoxes in science.
The conversation traces the evolution of the idea from James Clerk Maxwell's original challenge to the second law of thermodynamics through to modern discoveries linking information, measurement and energy. Along the way, Professor Goold explores topics including entropy, quantum measurement, entanglement, thermalisation and the surprising connections between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
The interview also highlights how curiosity-driven research can lead to unexpected applications, from understanding the Mpemba effect, where hot water can sometimes freeze faster than cold water, to developing new approaches for quantum computing and quantum technologies.
Bringing together history, fundamental physics and cutting-edge research, the discussion offers a fascinating insight into how questions first posed more than 150 years ago continue to inspire new discoveries today.
Watch the full interview with John Goold and Jaklin Kwan of New Scientist below.