Light-based information processing has the potential to increase speed, security, and scalability of electronic devices if issues in the device complexity could be resolved. We here demonstrate an integrated nanoelectronic device that can combine, store, and manipulate optical and electronic information. Employing a mechanically flexible and multilayered structure, a device is realized that shows memristive behavior. Illumination is shown to control the device operation in several unique ways. First, the device produces photocurrent that allows us to read out the device state in a self-powered manner. More importantly, a varying light intensity modulates the switching transition in a proportional manner that is akin to a neuron with variable plasticity and which can be taught and queried using either light or electrical inputs. This behavior enables a multilevel light-controlled logic and teaching schemes that can be applied to light-based communication devices and provides a route toward ubiquitous and lowcost sensors for future internet of things applications.
An organic two-terminal phototransistor structure for information technology has been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. The device comprises a resistive random access memory (RRAM) in tandem with an organic solar cell (OSC). The transistor effect is realized by the functional integration of both individual devices; i.e., the photocurrent produced by the OSC is manipulated through the switchable RRAM. Compared with conventional phototransistors, our design possesses several intriguing features, including ultra-fast photoresponse time, controllable photocurrent, and solution processable active layers. Most importantly, these operational properties are achievable with only two vertically sandwiched electrodes, which are beneficial for high speed optical communication, circuit miniaturization, and energy saving. These unique features make it a good candidate for implementation in optical communication with diverse applications such as Li-Fi technology and security encryption.
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