title: A multi-nano-dot circuit and structure using thermal-noise-assisted tunneling for stochastic associative processing.
abstract: The single-electron circuit and nanostructure described in this paper are designed for stochastic associative processing, which is an expanded version of ordinary associative memory processing. In stochastic associative processing, the association probability of each stored pattern depends on the similarity between the stored pattern and the input pattern. Such unique processing is useful for sequential stochastic association and for clustering for vector quantization. Conventional single-electron circuits operate only at very low temperature for practical junction capacitance (i.e., 30 K for 0.1 aF) because the charging energy in these circuits is directly related to the tunnel junction capacitance. Our multi-nano-dot circuit and structure operate at room temperature with a junction capacitance around 0.1 aF through tunneling processes assisted by thermal noise. We analyze the operation of this circuit in detail and propose for it a stochastic associative processing operation, where the detection timing of the electron position controls the association probability distribution.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morie
authors.forename: Tomohiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsuura
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagata
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iwata
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003205:Computing Methodologies; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D025802:Electric Capacitance; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013696:Temperature