Non-Abelian metamaterials: emergent computing and memory

Singh, A. (2023)

Doctoral Thesis

In the traditional theory of linear elasticity, superposition dictates that the response of a material does not depend on the sequence of the applied mechanical actuations. In this dissertation, we design non-linear building blocks to realize a non-Abelian metamaterial whose response is sequence-sensitive. We study the behaviour of such metamaterials through simulations and experiments using existing mathematical and engineering frameworks such as finite state machines and Boolean logic circuits. We discover that the non-Abelian metamaterial possesses information processing and storage capabilities: it behaves like a simple computer. This opens up new avenues to realize mechanical computing and memory devices with a complex emergent response.

• Complex media
• Non-linear elastic response
• Sequence-sensitive
• Mechanical computer
• Information processing and storage
• Finite state machines
• Boolean logic circuits
• SR latch

• All authors: Singh, A.
• Supervisor: Hecke, M.L. van
• Co-supervisor: Serra Garcia, M.
• Committee: Coulais, C.; Shokef, Y.; Aarts, J.; Kraft, D.J.; Morin, A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2023-09-28
• Title of host publication: Casimir PhD Series
• ISBN (print): 9789085935674
• Name: 2023-19