SPINTOP

Introduction

There exists a class of important computational problems that conventional computers are unable to address with reasonable efficiency. Such Combinatorial Optimization (CO) problems are pervasive in a wide range of critically important sectors of society, e.g. in business operations, manufacturing, and research.

Applications of Combinatorial Optimization

These problems include:

1. Man-power scheduling
2. Vehicle routing
3. IC circuit layout
4. Protein folding and DNA sequencing
5. Efficient big-data clustering
6. Election modelling
7. Network diagnosis
8. Modelling molecular dynamics
9. Discovery of new medicines/chemicals/materials

At present, the CO market size is of the order of 1B and is expected to exhibit a 56% market growth rate, with a 2030 market size forecast at 50B.

Challenges with Conventional Computers

Since conventional computers are ineffective in handling large CO problems, dedicated hardware—both quantum and quantum-inspired—are intensely researched and developed worldwide. A quantum-inspired alternative, so-called Ising Machines, has been developed over the last 20 years by D-Wave in superconducting technology and is commercially available.

Limitations of Current Technology

However, being a superconducting technology, it suffers from:

• Operation at 20 mK requiring 25 kW of cooling power
• Little hope for much miniaturization of the complete system (today about 30 m³)
• Extreme cost (~10 M$ per system)

Clearly, there is a need for a fast, scalable, energy-efficient, and affordable Ising Machine in dedicated hardware, without any of the severe drawbacks of the D-Wave technology.

SPINTOP's Solution

This is the problem that SPINTOP wants to address. SPINTOP will deliver fast, scalable, energy-efficient, and affordable Ising Machines based on networks of spin Hall nano-oscillators (SHNOs) pioneered by the applicant (J) in his ongoing ERC Adv. Grant TOPSPIN.

Innovation Potential

The proposed technology has tremendous breakthrough innovation potential and will aid in solving societal challenges related to almost all UN Sustainable Development Goals.