Project Overview
Artificial Neurons using Superconductors
Department(s)
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Two positions are available in the study of artificial neurons in the lab of Ken Segall. Positions will last for eight weeks from early June through the end of July. The work involves the design, fabrication and testing of integrated circuits which can simulate neuron spiking dynamics on very fast timescales. These circuits are based on a low-temperature, superconducting electronics technology (Josephson junctions) that has already been successful in creating ultra-sensitive magnetometers, high-performance radiation detectors, high-speed digital processors, and the primary voltage standard in the U.S. The short spiking times in these artificial neurons combined with analog scaling properties give this approach a potentially unprecedented ability to investigate long term dynamics of large networks. In addition, these artificial neurons dissipate almost no power, making them a candidate for a low-power, neuromorphic computing technology. All students will be involved in cryogenic, data collection and data analysis. In addition, some students will specialize in either computational studies, electronics instrumentation, machine shop work or noise studies when we are not taking data. The sum will be a nice broad exposure to low-temperature physics, applied physics, nonlinear dynamics and computational neuroscience. Students should have taken Physics 232, 233, 334 and 336 to work on these projects. Students interested in pairing this work with Physics 410 in the following year are especially invited to apply.
Student Qualifications
Students should have taken Physics 232, 233, 334 and 336 to work on these projects, and should be interested in a career in solid state physics, superconductivity, nonlinear dynamics, electrical engineering, experimental physics or computational studies. All students will be involved in cryogenic, data collection and data analysis. In addition, some students will specialize in either computational studies, electronics instrumentation, machine shop work or noise studies when we are not taking data. The sum will be a nice broad exposure to low-temperature physics, applied physics, nonlinear dynamics and computational neuroscience.
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
8 weeks