Project Overview
Learning dynamics in superconducting neurons and synapses
Department(s)
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Two or three positions are available in the study of artificial neurons and synapses in the lab of Prof. 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 as well as synaptic learning on very fast timescales. These circuits are based on a low-temperature, superconducting electronics technology (Josephson junctions) that has already used in many other technologies. Our goal is to continue the development of a superconducting synapse circuit, working toward a demonstration of unsupervised learning in a network of a few neurons and synapses. 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 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 work, electronics instrumentation, machine shop work or noise studies when the group is 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
Applications open on 10/03/2023 and close on 02/28/2024