Photo by Sandrine Quaroz, FEMTO-ST Institute
Digital computers are undoubtedly champions in performance and computing speed. But The human mind remains the master of solving complex problems, which requires the acquisition of prior knowledge. This college of learning comes Technique machine learningwhich by giving the computer the possibilityConsolidation of a large amount of informationLays the foundations of artificial intelligence.
Inspired directly by the work of the brain, Artificial neural networks are a tool To complete this learning. But its development potential collides technical limit: The electronic systems on which a classic computer operates in two dimensions, a configuration that allows only a few dozen artificial neurons to be connected, would take millions in an ideal situation.
CNRS Research Fellow at the FEMTO-ST Institute, Daniel Brunner is at The development of neural networks according to a three-dimensional visual architecture Which allows the implementation of artificial neurons and their connections. “A network of neurons and connections is printed on a geometrically available physical surface, and this network is then stretched out in 3D like the branches of a tree.
This deployment takes place thanks to laser arrays that create new neurons and new connections in an entirely visual process,” explains Daniel Brunner. The process, based on the mathematical principle of nonlinear dynamics, Inspired by the human brain As far as its 3D architecture is concerned as it is for its neural communication system.
Neural computers using artificial neural networksIt promises an impressive change of scale in the computer field. According to Daniel Brunner, they will someday Capable of producing 20 billion results per second, an amazing leap if we compare this number to the 100,000 results / results already provided by a conventional computer for AI purposes. And staying within the equation, run this new generation of computer Require 10 to 1000 times less energy . “There is no doubt to me that a 3D neural calculator will see the light of day; It will be a hybrid that combines the advantages of electronics to convert the signal and opticsTo convey information ”, emphasizes the researcher.
ERC Scholarship and Bronze Medal from CNRS
This research was developed under the INSPIRE project, and Daniel Brunner is now the recipient of an outstanding ERC grant award. complex jiscreaming 1 2021 in the amount of €2 million, which will support the continuation of its operation over five years; The researcher also received an impressive bronze medal from CNRS 2022.
1 ERC Unified grants It is European funding aimed at researchers who have obtained their theses from 7 to 12 years old. In France, 29 projects were awarded in this context for 2021.
