Imagine a computer that could solve the most complex problems in seconds or even milliseconds. A computer that could break any encryption code, or design new drugs and materials. This is the promise of unconventional computing, a new field of research that is exploring new ways to build computers.
Computing, in its simplest form, involves processing and manipulating information. Traditional computers, as most people know them, rely on a binary system, using transistors and electrical circuits to perform calculations and store information. These computers process data through a series of on/off signals, known as bits (0s and 1s), and use logic gates to perform operations.
These logic gates are the building blocks of traditional computers. They combine the binary signals in specific ways to perform a wide array of functions, from simple arithmetic to complex simulations like astrophysical simulations and biological.
Unconventional computing, on the other hand, explores alternative methods and principles to perform computations. These approaches deviate from the standard transistor-based models and include various technologies that utilize different mediums or principles from physics and mathematics to process information.
Some of the popular unconventional computing technologies include:
Billiard Ball Computing:
Billiard ball computing uses billiard balls instead of electrons and wires to make up various boolean circuits. This computer is relatively simple and is often used for pedagogical purposes. The collision of balls where the paths intersect make up the logic gates and the absence or presence of a ball on the path is analogous to 0s and 1s of the computer.
Domino Computing:
Another mechanical computer that uses dominoes sequences of standing dominoes which act as digital signals when toppled. Other than the absence of the NOT gate, most other gates can be made using sequences of standing dominoes. This computing can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, from simple arithmetic to more complex logic operations.
Optical Computing:
Optical Computers, an active research field aims to use photons or in simple words, light to perform computations. These computers can be used for data processing, data storage and data communication. However, a computer based solely on optical computing hasn’t seen the light of the day yet, but researchers are trying to replace parts of digital computers using optoelectronic components.
Quantum Computing:
One of the most well known unconventional computing methods out there, Quantum computers exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations, ultra fast.
Just like our digital computer relies on bits, quantum computers rely on qubits for functioning. Qubits can exist in multiple states at once (unlike our bits) and to measure it we need to apply complex probabilistic methods. Quantum computers have the potential to be much faster than traditional computers and could revolutionise many fields, including medicine, materials science, and finance.
DNA Computing:
Why base all computing on physical objects and complex physics when we have biology? DNA computing uses DNA molecules to store and process information. DNA computing uses DNA, biochemistry and bio-engineered hardware to perform various calculations. DNA computers are very good at solving certain types of problems, such as parallel computing and optimization problems.
Chaos Computing:
Still a theoretical concept, Chaos computing utilises the inherent properties of a chaotic system to produce various logic gates and then uses them to produce circuits capable of performing computations. This is done by identifying patterns in non-linear and dynamic chaotic systems.
Coming up with alternative and wacky ideas for making computers might seem absurd at first but these computing systems help us put our understanding of other processes to the limits resulting in helping us make more application specific computers or coming up with faster and more efficient computers in general. Some benefits are:
- DNA Computing due to its very minute size sees its potential in nanocomputing
- Chaos computing has demonstrated that fault-tolerant computers specific to the finance and meteorology domains can be made.
- Quantum Computing and Optical Computing both promise higher and faster speeds than the current computers.
However, there are some drawbacks as well:
- Unconventional computing is still in its early stages of development, and many of the technologies are not yet practical for real-world use.
- Some unconventional computing technologies, such as quantum computing, could pose a threat to current digital security and encryption methods.
- DNA computing has exacerbated the threat of biological warfare.
Unconventional computing is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionise the way we compute. Unconventional computers could be used to solve problems that are currently intractable for traditional computers, and they could lead to new and innovative applications.
Sources:
https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/quantum-computing-computers
