Draft:Thermodynamic Computing

Thermodynamic Computing (TC) is an emerging computing paradigm that seeks to address the fundamental limitations of current computing systems through principles grounded in statistical and stochastic thermodynamics. This approach considers the natural computational capacity of physical systems, focusing on energy efficiency, self-organization, and adaptability by leveraging non-equilibrium, self-organizing thermodynamic processes.

Principles of Operation
Traditional computing paradigms are increasingly facing challenges such as device scaling limitations, software complexity, energy consumption, and the economic costs of semiconductor fabrication. Current systems also operate far above the thermodynamic efficiency limits, indicating a significant potential for improvement. Thermodynamic Computing proposes a shift towards utilizing the inherent computational capabilities of physical systems, moving beyond the constraints of conventional hardware and software designs.

TC is centered on the idea that computing can be performed more efficiently by harnessing thermodynamic processes, such as fluctuations and self-organization, present at the nanoscale. This involves the development of computing systems that can evolve in response to electrical and informational potentials in their environment, thereby improving their efficiency and capability through natural processes.

Applications
Potential applications of TC include artificial intelligence, where it could lead to more efficient and powerful AI systems. By modeling computing elements as capacitively-coupled LC circuits with noisy currents, TC systems can theoretically control effective temperatures for computation, thereby optimizing performance and energy usage.

Challenges and Future Directions
While promising, TC is in its nascent stages, and substantial research is needed to realize its potential fully. As of March, 2024 there are two start-ups Extropic and Normal Computing working towards thermodynamic computing hardware. Challenges include the development of devices capable of supporting thermodynamic computation, as well as the creation of new computational models that effectively leverage these thermodynamic processes.