Optimal combinations of imperfect objects
arXiv:cond-mat/0203028 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.028701
Abstract
We address the question of how to make best use of imperfect objects, such as defective analog and digital components. We show that perfect, or near-perfect, devices can be constructed by taking combinations of such defects. Any remaining objects can be recycled efficiently. In addition to its practical applications, our `defect combination problem' provides a novel generalization of classical optimization problems.
4 pages, 3 figures, minor changes