Better computing through chaos and the butterfly effect

It involves the world of electronics’ version of “the butterfly effect” and what engineers call “chaotic computing.”

It’s about “using chaotic oscillations to build logic gates,” something that may be used to transform the semiconductor industry and from there lead to computers that are faster, more powerful and more energy-efficient.

William Ditto, chair of the Harrington Department of Bioengineering in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, is working at the forefront of chaotic computing research, and he explains the potential impact of the butterfly effect in the cover story of a new edition of New Electronics, a leading electronics engineering and technology magazine.