Encode information in fire!

TL;DR

Flash paper can be used to encode information through the use of metal salts, allowing for potential computation through flame-based processes.

Transcript

I have a strip of flash paper on the bench here that I cut out from a larger sheet and cut it so that there was a little tab sticking out every so often along the length of the strip and aiming at it I have an optical sensor in this aluminum box and the sensor is attached to the oscilloscope so let's see what happens when I light the flash paper as... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 Flash paper can encode information through the use of metal salts, adding color variations to the flame.
• 💁 The Harvard group's research on info fuses demonstrates the potential of encoding information in flash paper.
• 💁 Flame-based computation with flash paper may be possible but requires further exploration and understanding of computer science and information theory concepts.
• 👾 The resolution of flash paper for information encoding is limited, requiring larger tabs and spacing between them.
• 🔥 The flame readout effect of the burning paper provides a potential mechanism for data retrieval.
• 🎮 Computation with flash paper could potentially require a multiflame process and precise control over flame patterns.
• 😒 The use of a photo sensor in the aluminum box allows for detecting changes in the flame signal.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does flash paper allow for information encoding?

Flash paper enables information encoding by adding drops of metal salts along its length, which change the color of the flame as it burns.

Q: Can flash paper be used to encode multiple colors at the same spot?

Yes, by using different metal salts, multiple colors can be placed on the same spot, allowing for more information to be encoded.

Q: Is it possible to have multiple flash paper strips interact with each other to compute information?

While the idea is intriguing, it is not clear if computations can be achieved through flame-based interactions between multiple strips.

Q: What properties of flame make it suitable for information computation?

The sequential nature of the flame and its ability to ignite objects nearby provide a potential avenue for information computation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Flash paper, made from nitrocellulose, can be used to encode information through the addition of metal salts.

• The Harvard group's use of color to encode information in flash paper is an effective method.

• While there may not be practical applications, exploring the potential of computing with fire is an interesting topic.