WELCOME

Neuromorphic computing, or computing inspired by the low-energy, learning based approaches of the brain, has been an active area of research for several decades. It is undergoing a recent resurgence both because of the emergence of big data and because conventional computing approaches are increasingly limited by the Von Neumann bottleneck. Research on reservoir computing and Boltzmann machines has demonstrated that it is possible to computationally perform complex tasks comparable to the human brain. However, all proofs of concepts have relied on conventional computing hardware for implementation. The limitations of conventional computing hardware are not addressed in these approaches. On a different path, a number of novel materials and devices have been explored as building blocks for a neuromorphic computer. These include strongly correlated materials, magnetic tunnel junctions, and multi-ferroics, amongst others. However, a clear winner is yet to emerge as is a proof-of-principle small network implementation. This second path is the focus of this workshop. Specifically, we seek to explore materials and devices with quantum properties vis-à-vis their application to neuromorphic computing.

Quantum materials and devices offer an ideal platform for implementing neuromorphic functionality for several reasons. First, recent leaps in knowledge of quantum systems provides a wide variety of well-characterized structures to pick from. Several of these systems have switching energies several orders of magnitudes lower than conventional devices and comparable or faster switching speeds. Second, the fabrication of these devices has been explored thoroughly, ensuring that scalability will not end up being a limiting problem once proof of concept implementations are in place. Third, many such systems can be tuned to different functionalities, opening up the possibility of co-location of memory and processing. Finally, quantum effects have never been explored for neuromorphic computing. This could lead to the emergence of novel paradigms in the fields of both neuromorphic computing and quantum computing. The workshop “Neuromorphic Computing with Quantum Materials and Devices” will bring together leaders in the fields of Neuromorphic Computing and Quantum Materials and Devices to elaborate on all these directions and analyze emerging ideas. The goals of the workshop are:

1. Identify key questions in the field of neuromorphic computing, especially vis-à-vis hardware.
2. Identify materials and devices that can be used to address these questions.
3. Examine the strategies developed in step 2 with insight from experts from both the relevant fields.

ORGANIZER

Meenakshi Singh     –     Colorado School of Mines

INFORMATION

Once your registration is processed, you will receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting.

Registration closes on Friday, September 21st, 2018.