Menu English Ukrainian russian Home

Free technical library for hobbyists and professionals Free technical library


NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

Self-learning photonic computer

21.01.2013

A group of physicists led by Daniel Brunner of the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, has taken a big step towards creating a photonic computer by creating a working prototype of such a computing device. The photonic computer of Brunner and his colleagues is based on the principle of so-called computational reservoirs. Such computers are similar in their design to artificial or natural neural networks, and consist of single synapse nodes. Each such "nerve cell" is randomly connected to neighboring nodes and is able to remember its previous states.

Unlike conventional neural networks, the "computational reservoir" can solve various problems and can be easily reprogrammed without disturbing the physical structure of the system. By manipulating the properties of synapses, this machine can be adapted to solve complex computational problems, including speech or image recognition. The prototype of Brunner and his colleagues is arranged quite peculiarly - portions of light that emit the same laser diode at strictly measured intervals act as nodes of the neural network. These portions of light move along the "ring", inside of which the source of input data is built - another laser that adds new information to the cycle using a special modulator.

To determine the final result of the computer, other devices measure the intensity of radiation in each portion of light, converting it into a digital form. According to the scientists, with special tuning of lasers and other components, the same photonic computer can simultaneously perform several calculations, which makes it easy to increase its performance and versatility.

The scientists put their invention to the test by "teaching" a computer to convert human speech into numbers and calculate some complex statistical functions. According to physicists, their invention performed well - the computer incorrectly recognized only 0,01% of the numbers spoken aloud. In addition, the device has a very high performance - in one second it "guesses" 300 thousand words, which is a record for all computing devices that exist today.

When calculating statistics, the device confirmed its qualities - the photonic computer performed over 13 million statistical operations per second, and the data exchange rate exceeded 1,1 gigabytes per second. In addition, this model of a photonic computer has another advantage compared to conventional computers - low power consumption. As noted by Brunner and his colleagues, their prototype spends 200 times less energy on recognizing one word.

It should not be expected that such light computers will completely replace modern silicon electronics. So, their scope is extremely limited, and the information in them is presented in an extremely inconvenient form for use. Nevertheless, such devices will be able to replace classical computers in many specialized areas of science and technology, where high speed and parallel computing are required.

<< Back: Electronic collars for dog training 22.01.2013

>> Forward: The ISS will become a filling station for satellites 21.01.2013

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Electronic helmet for truck drivers 14.04.2024

Road safety, especially for drivers of heavy construction equipment, is a top priority for engineers and scientists. In light of this, the German Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Strength and System Reliability has introduced a new product - an electronic helmet, which is designed to protect drivers from serious injury when driving construction vehicles. A new electronic helmet developed by a team of engineers from the Fraunhofer Institute opens up new perspectives for the safety of truck and construction equipment drivers. The device is capable of monitoring the level of shaking in the car cabin and warning the driver of possible danger. The basis of the helmet's operation is a built-in piezoelectric sensor, which generates electricity during physical deformation. This mechanism allows the device to respond to intense vibrations typical of construction equipment. When the level of deformation exceeds safe values, an alarm system is activated on the helmet, ... >>

Antivitamins instead of antibiotics 13.04.2024

The problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is becoming increasingly serious, posing a threat to the effective treatment of infections. In light of this, researchers are looking for new ways to combat superbugs. One of the promising directions is the use of antivitamins that can have an antibacterial effect. Antivitamins, although known as the opposite of vitamins, have proven to be a promising tool in the fight against bacterial antibiotic resistance. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Göttingen in Germany confirmed their potential in creating new drugs to combat dangerous infections. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, there is a need to find alternative treatments. Antivitamins are molecules similar to vitamins, but capable of inhibiting bacterial activity without harm to the human body. At the moment, science knows only three antivitamins: rose ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Communication with sleepers 01.03.2021

New scientific experiments have demonstrated the ability to ask questions to a person in a lucid dream - and even get the right answers to them.

Some special techniques and mental states allow you to experience lucid dreams, in which a person understands that he is in a dream, and can even control its content. This is a very curious phenomenon that opens up completely unique possibilities for studying sleep. Scientists have been able to demonstrate that a connection can be established between a lucid dreamer and the real world.

Until now, such contacts have remained one-way: having plunged into a lucid dream, people could communicate this with eye movements or perform a prearranged task. But recently a connection has been shown in both directions: people heard the questions of the experimenters and answered them while remaining in a dream.

The work involved several teams of scientists from Europe and the United States, led by Ken Paller (Ken Paller) from the US Northwestern University. They conducted experiments with 35 volunteers who had various lucid dream experiences and another who had narcolepsy and was lucid in his sleep due to a neurological disorder.

Electrodes attached to the head, cheeks and near the eyes made it possible to register the onset of the REM (paradoxical) sleep phase, during which dreams come. Commands were transmitted to the experimental subjects using voice, and eye movements and facial expressions served as feedback, which the sleepers could partially control. For example, they were asked to subtract six from eight - and the subjects answered "two", moving their eyes twice from left to right.

In most cases (approximately 60 per cent), contact could not be made. In 20 percent of the experiments, the answers obtained were incorrect or unclear. However, about 18 percent accounted for certain and reliable communications with sleepers. Moreover, when they woke up, they often remembered the experience. According to the volunteers, the questions sounded in a dream, like a voiceover. However, they did not always reproduce what happened exactly and sometimes they did not name the questions that they were asked.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics


All languages ​​of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews

www.diagram.com.ua

www.diagram.com.ua
2000-2024