Computing in nonlinear media and automata collectives

The subject of this book is computing in excitable and reaction-diffusion media. This is one approach to novel computing methods. Other approaches include quantum and evolutionary computation, and swarm optimization. The book explains how to design computing devices in nonlinear media. This achieved in three steps. First, cellular automaton models of reaction-diffusion and excitable computing are built. Second, natural analogies of simulated phenomena are sought. Third, working prototypes of laboratory processors are fabricated. Throughout the book it is assumed a computation is implemented using spreading waves and spatially interacting reagents. The book is full of examples of computation in cellular automata, swarms of mobile machines, thin-layer chemical liquids, insect societies, solitons, breathers and other wonders of Natur