The prospective seminars of the Scientific and Technological Orientation Council

The prospective seminars organized by the Animation and Prospective workgroup of the Scientific and Technological Orientation Council present the state of the art on a current research theme followed by a discussion. All researchers are invited to deliberate together on tomorrow's research.

This seminars are open to all.

The special prospective seminar dedicated to "Nanotechnologies" on October 6, 2006

A special prospective seminar dedicated to "Nanotechnologies" will be held on Friday October 6, 2006 at INRIA Rhône-Alpes - Montbonnot (Access map). Free entrance.

14:00 - The world of nanotechnology for today and tomorrow

Speaker: Jean-Louis PAUTRAT- CEA Moderator: Alain Girault - Project POP ART, INRIA Rhône-Alpes View the slides.

Abstract:
From the invention of the transistor to modern microprocessors, microelectronic technology provides us with objects that are becoming smaller and smaller with ever-increasing power capacities. Now coming closer to ultimate dimensions, nanotechnologies can offer surprising possibilities: writing with atoms, calculating using molecules, driving molecular motors in artificial machines, reproducing the properties of a lotus leaf for anti-dirt windows, making lanterns to hook onto DNA strands.
These examples illustrate some of the quite extraordinary characteristics of nanotechnologies: the complexity and power of microelectronics, crossovers with life science, breakthroughs to new technology fields and, of course, the development of information and telecommunication systems.
Nanotechnologies will soon be able to offer inventions capable of making significant changes to our social and professional life: omnipresent microprocessors and telecommunications, artificial limbs that are capable of compensating the body’s failures and weaknesses, a general purpose robot, and even interfaces that associate the brain and electronic objects. From this large array of inventions, only those that are able to meet requirements, be accepted by society and find a market will see the light of day. These perspectives should give rise to much thought and reflection in society.

15:30 - Nanoelectronic, nanotechnologies: their impact on software and architectures

Speaker: Hervé FANET - CEA Moderator: Alain Girault - Project POP ART, INRIA Rhône-Alpes View the slides.

Abstract:
Two aspects will be dealt with during this presentation: the first is related to extreme miniaturisation, the second with the emergence of new components. Reducing the size of a transistor to less than a micron has led to a significant increase in electricity consumption and the dispersion of electronic characteristics. The first effect has put a stop to the frequency race and has brought parallel architectures into widespread use; this has led to major developments in programming models. The second effect has led to significant changes in the methodology of integrated circuit design by abandoning the worst case approach.  

New components are appearing in the field of nanoelectronics: nanotubes and nanowires, single-electron devices and molecules. The scientific community has agreed to allow for high failure rates and it is therefore essential to re-examine fault-tolerant architecture and intrinsically tolerant solutions, such as formal neuron networks.