This graduate-level research seminar on Energy Harvesting and Intermittent Computation is a comprehensive and advanced exploration of the cutting-edge research and technologies in the field of energy harvesting and intermittent computation. This seminar is designed to provide Ph.D. and Masters students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities required to conduct groundbreaking research in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of study.

As computation scales downward in area, the limitations imposed by the batteries required to power that computation become more pronounced. Thus, many future devices will forgo batteries and harvest energy from their environment. Harvested energy, with its frequent power cycles, is at odds with current models of long-running computation.

To enable the correct execution of long-running applications on harvested energy researchers provide various systems that enable correct and efficient computation in the presence of the frequent and unpredictable power resets endemic to harvested energy. These systems are broadly referred to as Intermittent Computation systems. Intermittent Computation modalities include Just-in-Time, Programmer-guided, Compiler-directed, and Hardware-directed. Beyond correct and efficient execution on harvested energy, researchers also address novel security issues stemming from attacker physical access and partial computation, and the challenges associated with evaluating systems with an unpredictable energy source.

Course Objectives:

· Develop an understanding of energy harvesting technologies, principles, and systems.

· Explore the challenges and opportunities presented by intermittent computation in energy-constrained applications.

· Investigate the latest research advancements and emerging trends in the field.

· Foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative research approaches.

· Encourage collaboration, discussion, and networking among peers and experts in the field.

Course Structure:

· Introduction to research:

o Ideas, writing, and presenting.

· Introduction to Energy Harvesting:

o Fundamentals of energy harvesting principles and techniques.

o Types of energy sources, including solar, kinetic, thermoelectric, and more.

o Energy storage solutions and management.

· Intermittent Computation:

o Understanding the concept of intermittent computing.

o Intermittent computation modalities.

o Case studies on applications benefiting from intermittent computation.

o Techniques for conducting experimental research in the field.

· Other challenges when computing on harvested energy:

o Experimental reproduction

o Security

· Seminar Presentations and Discussion

· Final Research Project and Presentation

This Ph.D. Research Seminar is designed to prepare students for a successful and impactful research career in the dynamic and evolving realm of energy harvesting and intermittent computation. Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with experts, and contribute to the ongoing development of sustainable, energy-efficient intermittent computation technologies.