A comprehensive approach to decipher biological computation to achieve next generation high-performance exascale computing.

Abstract

The human brain (volume=1200cm3) consumes 20W and is capable of performing > 10^16 operations/s. Current supercomputer technology has reached 1015 operations/s, yet it requires 1500m^3 and 3MW, giving the brain a 10^12 advantage in operations/s/W/cm^3. Thus, to reach exascale computation, two achievements are required: 1) improved understanding of computation in biological tissue, and 2) a paradigm shift towards neuromorphic computing where hardware circuits mimic properties of neural tissue. To address 1), we will interrogate corticostriatal networks in mouse brain tissue slices, specifically with regard to their frequency filtering capabilities as a function of input stimulus. To address 2), we will instantiate biological computing characteristics such as multi-bit storage into hardware devices with future computational and memory applications. Resistive memory devices will be modeled, designed, and fabricated in the MESA facility in consultation with our internal and external collaborators. (1463), and Robert Leland (1000) were crucial in helping to steer this effort in the larger context of Sandia's national security missions. We thank the Microelectronics Development Laboratory staff and management at Sandia National Laboratories for device fabrication. We also extend our gratitude to Michael Rye and Bonnie McKenzie for focused ion beam serial sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. We also thank our Hewlett Packard collaborators Byung Joon Choi, J. 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS