Nanoscale Communication with Brownian Motion

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of communicating using chemical messages propagating using Brownian motion, rather than electromagnetic messages propagating as waves in free space or along a wire, is considered. This problem is motivated by nanotechnological and biotechnological applications, where the energy cost of electromagnetic communication might be prohibitive. Models are given for communication using particles that propagate with Brownian motion, and achievable capacity results are given. Under conservative assumptions, it is shown that rates exceeding one bit per particle are achievable.