CAREER: Improving the Performance of Quantum-dot Cellular Automata

量子点元胞自动机（QCA）是一种利用量子效应进行计算的方法。QCA是量子点单元阵列，每个单元包含有规则排列的量子点和有限数量的电子。电子被允许在点之间隧穿。电池的特殊排列反映了计算问题，而电子的最低能量分布反映了计算结果。QCA已经获得了很多关注，因为它们似乎是物理上可以实现的，目前的制造技术略有改进。其优点包括更快的计算速度、更密集的电路和极低的功耗。在由原始QCA逻辑器件组成的QCA电路中，下游器件的状态会对上游器件的状态产生不利影响。部分解决方案源于重新设计原始元素。这项工作的一个方面是量化重新设计元件的成本，设计更具成本效益的解决方案，并确定使用未校正设备的风险。第二个方面涉及通过架构更改来设计QCA以适应更高的操作温度。第三个方面涉及具有平滑能量空间的qca类器件的研究，用于消除亚稳定状态。教育计划包括开发一门新的CS/EE研究生课程，名为“计算机新架构”。本课程将以QCA、纯量子计算、DNA计算和其他新架构的理论与实践为特色。理论部分将包括来自研究计划部分的模块。学生将选择一个主题，进行少量但重要的原创性研究，并向适当的场所提交论文。

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) are a method of computing via quantum effects. QCA are arrays of quantum-dot cells with each cell containing a regular arrangement of quantum dots and a limited number of electrons. The electrons are allowed to tunnel between dots. The particular arrangement of cells reflects the computational problem, while the lowest energy distribution of electrons reflects the computational result. QCA have garnered much attention because they seem to be physically realizable with slight improvements in current fabrication techniques. Advantages include faster computation, denser circuits, and extremely low power consumption.In a QCA circuit composed of primitive QCA logic devices, the state of downstream devices can adversely affect the state of upstream devices. A partial solution stems from redesigning the primitive elements. One aspect of this work is to quantify the cost of redesigned elements, to devise more cost-effective solutions, and to determine the risks of using uncorrected devices. The second aspect involves designing QCA for higher operational temperatures via architectural changes. The third aspect concerns investigation of QCA-like devices with smoother energy spaces for eliminating meta-stable states.The education plan includes the development of a new CS/EE graduate course, entitled New Architectures for Computing. The course will feature theory and practice concerning QCA, pure quantum computing, DNA computing, and other novel architectures. The theory portion will include modules stemming from portions of the research plan. Students will chose a topic, perform a small but significant amount of original research, and submit a paper to an appropriate venue.