Analog computation using single-electron circuits

Analog computation is a processing method that solves a given problem by utilizing an analogy of a physical system to the problem. An idea is presented here for relating the behavior of single-electron circuits to analog computation. As an instance, a method is proposed for solving a combinatorial problem, the three-colorability problem, by using the properties of single-electron circuits. In problem solving, a single-electron circuit is constructed that is analogous to a given problem; then, through an annealing procedure, the circuit is made to settle down to its minimun energy state. The correct solution to the problem can be obtained by checking the final arrangement of electrons in the circuit. Analog computation is a promising architecture for single-electron computing systems.