Beyond von-Neumann Computing: Leveraging Novel Physics for the Future of Computation

Organizers:

Lincoln D. Carr, Colorado School of Mines
Florian Marquardt, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
*Peter McMahon, Cornell University
Hakan Tureci, Princeton University

*represents the organizer in charge of promoting diversity

The future of computing faces a critical challenge: current technologies are nearing energy limits, threatening sustainability. To continue advancing, computing must undergo transformative shifts, including breakthroughs in energy efficiency, analog hardware, bandwidth, memory, and integrated AI. These innovations are essential to tackling global challenges, from climate change and social unrest to the development of new materials for energy production and storage. Recognizing this urgency, many physicists are now deeply engaged in shaping the next generation of computing. Fundamental shifts in computing architectures such as distributed memory and processing can already be explored through simple physical systems like networked masses and springs, offering a new lens through which to understand matter. Key topics at this workshop include optical computing, quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, Boltzmann computing, reversible/isentropic computing, novel solid-state architectures including but not limited to spintronics, and computing strategies inspired by neuroscience and bioinformatics, including the immune system. By synthesizing and systematizing these diverse ideas into a shared framework, the workshop aims to establish an open and interdisciplinary dialogue that will lay the groundwork for the next era of computing beyond current von-Neumann architectures. This workshop will provide a unique venue for fostering collaboration and advancing a collective vision for transformative computing technologies.