TROIKA: Architectures for Emerging Nanotechnologies

The long-term goal of this project is to construct a computing device through DNA self-assembly of nanoelectronic devices. This goal will be achieved through a series of more modest steps, beginning with the experimental demonstration of DNA assembled nanoelectronic components (e.g., fragmented carbon nanotubes) and then DNA assembly of a very small number of these components into a small circuit. To help guide these efforts, this project will simultaneously explore the impact of this new technology on computer architecture. In particular, the PIs seek to develop architectures that strike a balance between 1) the regularity of large-scale DNA self-assembly patterning capabilities, 2) the complexity required for sophisticated system designs and 3) tolerance to the inevitable defects present in nanoscale systems. The trade-offs between these three architectural properties permeate all aspects of this project and provide the framework for closed-loop feedback among the team members.