A matrioshka brain[1][2] is a hypothetical megastructure of immense computational capacity powered by a Dyson sphere. It was proposed in 1997 by Robert J. Bradbury (1956–2011[3]). It is an example of a class-B stellar engine, employing the entire energy output of a star to drive computer systems.[4]
This concept derives its name from the nesting Russian matryoshka dolls.[5]
The concept was deployed by Bradbury in the anthology Year Million: Science at the Far Edge of Knowledge.[6][7]