All-optical computing<\/strong> based on neuromorphic algorithms to treat measured data, predict the evolution of critical parameters \u2013 workability, autonomy, reliability \u2013 and update feedbacks to the controlled system.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nAs an example of an approach to a durability stake, the micro-networks used to optimise renewable power sources in buildings or zero-emission vehicles are aimed to last 10 years, with a maintenance frequency of more than one year.<\/p>\n
To support these approaches, I-SITE BFC possesses the required scientific resources, combining physics, mathematics, micro\/nanotechnologies, sustainable chemistry, structuring and activation of materials, photonic and phononic waves, control, integrated devices, engineering, and new paradigms for data treatment (quantum\/neuromorphic computing).<\/p>\n
These paradigms are tightly linked to the capacity to anticipate major risks, which today are an essential ingredient of safety protocols. All-optical data treatment using algorithms based on brain functioning is considered as an alternative to electronic computers, which are gradually reaching their technical limitations as regards the speed of the information flow and energy consumption. Thus, the integration of material properties into feedback loops including acquisition, measurement and intense computing capacities will lead to the creation of novel devices relying on data treatment, using superfast nano-photonic components. The recognised level of excellence of the photonics community of Bourgogne \u2013 Franche-Comt\u00e9 and the recent first world demonstration of the concept of neuromorphic all-optical computing allow us to contemplate taking up this challenge.<\/p>\n
This reasoning implies integrating functions (data acquisition\/treatment, command refresh, communication) into the components, and leads us to imagine such small (nanoscale) components that they may be considered like the constituent \u201catoms\u201d of programmable matter (\u201cclaytronics\u201d, a neologism originally referring to the material used by a sculptor to make a volume of an arbitrary shape emerge).<\/p>\n
In this vision, nano processors called \u201cclaytronic atoms\u201d (\u201ccatoms\u201d in short) interact with one another to form a tangible 3D object able to re-configure its own physical properties based on external stimuli from autonomous data acquisition or a user\u2019s action (e.g., through touch).<\/p>\n
The development of programmable matter should lead to numerous applications in devices in the fields of medicine, energy, transport, space, defence, and everyday life. The current experimental configurations only imply a very limited number of catoms, with dimensions in the centimeter range. Downsizing to the nano-scale is a huge challenge as far as integration is concerned, and it will be necessary to rely on current know-hows in chemistry and advanced materials to develop \u201cclaytronic\u201d alternatives to standard approaches in computing feedback, sensors, or even data transmission. This downsizing implies organising the actions\/movements of millions of catoms within a claytronic device. This task is beyond current computer capacities and requires the development of a new paradigm of superfast cognitive computing based on photonic components.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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