Reversible computing veteran poses open problem: universal BARCS primitives from unbiased Josephson junctions
MikePFrank · x · 2026-10-23
Mike P. Frank poses an open research question: can we find a subset of superconducting circuit elements that is (1) a complete primitive set for universal reversible computation in the BARCS model, and (2) implementable with only underdamped Josephson junctions, inductances and capacitances — no externally supplied bias currents, good design margins in a realistic JJ process with low subgap viscosity, and only modest energy loss per interaction?
The question builds on his 2022 IEEE ICRC paper with R. M. Lewis, "Ballistic Asynchronous Reversible Computing in Superconducting Circuits," pointing toward an ultra-low-energy path to universal computation.
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