Lateral computing of magnitude better than conventional computers. The Simulated annealing algorithm is designed by looking at how the pure crystals form from a heated gaseous state while the system is cooled slowly. The computing problem is redesigned as a simulated annealing exercise and the solutions are arrived at. The working principle of simulated annealing is borrowed from metallurgy: a piece of metal is heated (the atoms are given thermal agitation), and then the metal is left to cool slowly. The slow and regular cooling of the metal allows the atoms to slide progressively their most stable ("minimal energy") positions. (Rapid cooling
Fourcault process By changing the chemistry it is possible to affect the surface characteristics of the glass, improving its quality and durability. Glass rollers hold the ribbon throughout various parts of the process, supporting its weight and continuing the drawing process. The process continues as the ribbon is drawn upwards into a chimney like structure, where it is quenched or rapidly cooled. When the ribbon reaches the end of the process it is scored, or cut, and then removed for further processing in discrete sheets of flat glass. The "bulb edges" are recycled as cullet (flawed glass which is remelted) or were