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Lex Fridman Podcast
#225 – Jeffrey Shainline: Neuromorphic Computing and Optoelectronic Intelligence
Sep 26, 2021
00:00
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Quick takeaways
- Electrons are well-suited for computation, while photons excel at communication.
- Superconducting circuits have unique properties for computing, but require extremely low temperatures.
- Computation focuses on processing and transforming information, while communication involves transmitting information without changing its content.
- Electrons are excellent for computation, while photons of light are better suited for communication.
- Integrating superconducting detectors and compound semiconductor light sources enables efficient information transmission.
- Neuromorphic computing involves emulating the information processing principles of the brain using hardware.
Deep dives
Electrons versus Light: Computation and Communication
Electrons are well-suited for computation due to their strong interaction with each other. They can be spatially localized and manipulated to represent and process information effectively. On the other hand, photons of light excel at communication. They do not interact with each other, allowing multiple photons to flow without interference. Light is ideal for transmitting information over long distances and branching to multiple paths. Electrons, with their interaction and localization properties, are suitable for computation, while light, with its non-interacting nature, is excellent for communication.
Superconductivity and Its Role in Computing
Superconductivity, observed at low temperatures, enables currents to flow without dissipation. Superconducting circuits, such as Josephson junctions, have unique properties for computing. Josephson junctions can serve as gates and components for building complex circuits. They can propagate discrete packets of current called fluxons at speeds close to the speed of light. However, superconductors require extremely low temperatures and are not practical for consumer devices. They have found applications in large-scale computing systems where cooling and power consumption are manageable.
Computation and Communication Distinction
Computation involves processing and transforming information to produce useful outputs. It reduces the total amount of information by extracting meaningful insights. Communication, on the other hand, focuses on transmitting information without changing its content from one location to another. Computation usually follows controlled, sequential steps, whereas communication is about moving information efficiently. Neurons in the brain exemplify network-based computation, which integrates both computation and communication aspects.
Electrons and Light in Computation and Communication
Electrons are excellent for computation due to their strong interactions and ability to be spatially localized. They can be manipulated to represent and process information effectively. In contrast, photons of light are better suited for communication. They do not interact with each other, allowing for efficient transmission of information without interference. Additionally, light-based communication requires less energy and is capable of branching to multiple paths, making it suitable for large-scale networking systems.
Optoelectronic communication
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the use of light for communication in optoelectronic systems. By integrating superconducting detectors and compound semiconductor light sources, information can be transmitted with minimal energy and high efficiency.
Neuromorphic computing
The podcast explores the concept of neuromorphic computing, which involves building hardware that emulates the information processing principles of the brain. This can range from using digital electronics with brain-inspired architectures to using analog circuits that emulate the behavior of neurons.
Communication in large-scale systems
The podcast highlights the challenges of communication in large-scale neuromorphic systems. It emphasizes the importance of three-dimensional integration, using multiple layers of superconducting electronics and optical waveguides, to enable efficient communication between neurons.
Temperature challenges
The podcast discusses the temperature constraints of superconducting electronics. While the need for low temperatures, around 4 Kelvin, may present challenges, it is considered acceptable in the pursuit of achieving efficient and powerful neuromorphic hardware.
Cosmological Evolution and the Selection for Technology
The podcast episode explores the idea of cosmological evolution and how it may select for the development of technology in the universe. The concept is based on the hypothesis that our universe has gone through an evolutionary process similar to biological evolution, resulting in the emergence of stars, planets, and eventually intelligent civilizations. The evolution of technology is seen as a part of this process, with the ability to create black holes being a defining characteristic of highly advanced civilizations. The episode discusses the possibility of technological civilizations being rare and the challenges of detecting them in our galaxy. It also touches on topics like the fine-tuning of the universe's parameters and the potential influence of gravitational waves in interstellar communication.
The Connection Between Stars, Black Holes, and Offspring Universes
The episode delves into the relationship between stars, black holes, and the production of offspring universes. It suggests that stars, particularly those that can create black holes through core collapse supernovae, play a crucial role in the cosmological evolution of the universe. Black holes are viewed as potential catalysts for the creation of new universes, and the episode explores the idea that technological civilizations may have the ability to intentionally generate black holes, thus increasing the rate of universe formation. The rarity of intelligent civilizations capable of producing black holes and the possible impact of their existence on the overall fecundity of the universe are also discussed.
The Scarcity and Transience of Intelligent Civilizations
The episode reflects on the scarcity and transience of intelligent civilizations in the grand timeline of the universe. While the existence of intelligent life in our galaxy is considered probable, the episode suggests that highly advanced civilizations capable of generating technology and black holes may be rare. It emphasizes that the timespan of human existence is relatively short in relation to the overall history of the universe, and that consciousness and complexity have emerged and evolved within distinct windows of time. The broader perspective highlights the impermanence of all life and civilizations, while acknowledging the beauty and impact of our existence.
The Potential for Higher Levels of Complexity
The episode speculates about the possibility of higher levels of complexity and intelligence evolving in the universe. It envisions the potential for future civilizations, surpassing human capabilities, to exhibit greater levels of technological mastery and consciousness. These hypothetical civilizations, potentially utilizing advanced superconducting optoelectronic systems and gravitational communication, could explore and observe the universe in ways beyond our current understanding. The episode presents the ongoing pursuit of scientific knowledge, the hierarchy of complexity in the universe, and the natural evolution of intelligence as intriguing and awe-inspiring concepts.
41.
A Simple Building Block Circuit for Dendritic Processing and Plasticity Mechanisms
4min
Jeffrey Shainline is a physicist at NIST working on. Note: Opinions expressed by Jeff do not represent NIST. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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– Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit
– BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off
EPISODE LINKS:
Jeff’s Website: http://www.shainline.net
Jeff’s Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rnHpY3YAAAAJ
Jeff’s NIST Page: https://www.nist.gov/people/jeff-shainline
PODCAST INFO:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(05:56) – How are processors made?
(25:15) – Are engineers or physicists more important
(27:43) – Super-conductivity
(43:31) – Computation
(48:07) – Computation vs communication
(51:48) – Electrons for computation and light for communication
(1:02:32) – Neuromorphic computing
(1:27:23) – What is NIST?
(1:30:41) – Implementing super-conductivity
(1:38:20) – The future of neuromorphic computing
(1:57:54) – Loop neurons
(2:04:09) – Machine learning
(2:18:36) – Cosmological evolution
(2:25:44) – Cosmological natural selection
(2:43:05) – Life in the universe
(2:50:52) – The rare Earth hypothesis
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