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2014 | Buch

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Molecular Computing

Origins and Promises

verfasst von: Nicholas G. Rambidi

Verlag: Springer Vienna

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

The question whether molecular primitives can prove to be real alternatives to contemporary semiconductor means or effective supplements extending greatly possibilities of information technologies is addressed. Molecular primitives and circuitry for information processing devices are also discussed. Investigations in molecular based computing devices were initiated in the early 1970s in the hopes for an increase in the integration level and processing speed. Real progress proved unfeasible into the 1980´s. However, recently, important and promising results were achieved. The elaboration of operational 160-kilobit molecular electronic memory patterned 1011 bits per square centimeter in the end of 90´s were the first timid steps of information processing further development. Subsequent advances beyond these developments are presented and discussed. This work provides useful knowledge to anyone working in molecular based information processing.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. The Origins and the Making of Nanotechnologies

Abstract

When talking about nanotechnology, the basis of not only the technical and technological revolution of recent years but also a source of fundamental shifts in the psychology of human society, one should not forget about its potential origins. Starting from ancient times, the idea of miniaturization seemed quite natural, i.e., the existence or creation of objects with dimensions much smaller than those usual for man that are still able to perform the functions inherent for their macro counterparts. This is manifested both in folk beliefs about various miniature creatures accompanying man, elves and dwarves and in literature.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 2. Computer Engineering and Nanotechnology

Abstract

When people began to understand themselves as reasonable beings, they felt the need to describe the world around them—to count everything their eye caught. The choice of the number system was quite natural. Ten fingers on the human hands, ten toes on the feet—such was the decisive argument in favor of the intuitively chosen decimal system. It has remained that way up to now. The symbols denoting numbers changed from time to time, but the system itself, most psychologically acceptable for us, remained the same practically everywhere.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 3. Molecular Elements of Computers

Abstract

For many decades molecules and molecular complexes, with their discrete energy levels and the ability to switch the molecular system from one state to another, have been considered ideal elements for computing devices. However, the technological possibilities available in the first half of the last century and foreseeable at that time did not allow even to think about the practical use of the molecular primitives. Moreover, beginning from the 1960s the planar semiconductor technology, with its promise of increasing the capabilities of computing device manifold, was advancing at a rapid pace.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 4. Seemingly Incompatible: Chemical Reaction–Diffusion Media and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

In the early 1940s of the last century humanity faced grand technical and technological challenges associated with enormous demand for computing. The John von Neumann paradigm proposed at that time, which laid the foundation for designing digital computers, made it possible to create effective computing devices to address the most pressing engineering problems and to continue improving them up to the present day. The success of the von Neumann paradigm rested on its suitability for solving massive computational tasks which were at the core of the most important engineering problems. Human information processing style discussed in the 1940s—the neural network approach of McCulloch and Pitts—turned out to be premature, since the main trends in the development of information-logical devices in those years were determined by engineering and technological computing tasks that could be effectively solved with digital computers.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 5. Reaction–Diffusion Processor: Possibilities and Limitations

Abstract

At the heart of information processing by reaction–diffusion systems is the concept of reaction–diffusion processor. A schematic diagram of this device, which is based on a chemical or a biochemical system, is shown in Fig. 5.1. Chemical reaction–diffusion media of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky type represent a convenient starting material for the creation of information processing devices. They are stable and not toxic.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 6. Self-Organization: A Common Principle of Information Processing by Distributed Dynamic Systems

Abstract

The concept or rather the term “self-organization” has been widely used in recent years to describe and explain similar phenomena in physical, chemical, biological, and even economic and sociological systems. All these phenomena have in common that, seemingly contrary to conventional thermodynamic laws, complex ordered structures emerge in a distributed dynamic system consisting of simple parts. The properties of the resulting structures are fundamentally different from the properties of the individual elements of the system. Most surprisingly, self-organization in the system emerges spontaneously from a homogeneous state.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 7. New Ideas…New Opportunities?

Abstract

The previous chapter was devoted to the investigations of recent years in information technology, based on two approaches generally accepted today—the von Neumann paradigm and the biological principles of information processing. However, at the same time attempts were made to find new ways of information processing different from the traditional ones and having certain advantages over them. These new ideas hardly have any fundamental novelty. Rather, they involved a combination of digital von Neumann principles and biological principles.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Chapter 8. What’s Next?

Abstract

Predicting the future is a dubious and ungrateful undertaking. Too many factors that are not apparent today may suddenly change the well-known and seemingly obvious trends.

Nicholas G. Rambidi

Titel: Molecular Computing
verfasst von: Nicholas G. Rambidi
Verlag: Springer Vienna
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-211-99699-7
Print ISBN: 978-3-211-99698-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99699-7

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