A Dual‐Functional Integration of Photodetectors and Artificial Optoelectronic Synapses on a VO₂/WO₃ Heterojunction Device

Abstract

Bionic visual systems require multimodal integration of eye‐like photodetectors and brain‐like image memory. However, the integration of photodetectors (PDs) and artificial optoelectronic synapses devices (OESDs) by one device remains a giant challenge due to their photoresponse discrepancy. Herein, a dual‐functional integration of PDs and OESDs based on VO2/WO3 heterojunctions is presented. The device can be able to realize a dual‐mode conversion between PDs and OESDs through tuning the bias voltage. Under zero bias voltage, the device exhibiting excellent photodetecting behaviors based on the photovoltaic effect, showing a high self‐powered photoresponsivity of 18.5 mA W−1 and high detectivity of 7.5 × 1010 Jones with fast photoresponse. When the external bias voltages are applied, it can be acted as an OESD and exhibit versatile electrical and photonic synaptic characteristics based on the trapping and detrapping effects, including synaptic plasticity and learning‐experience behaviors. More importantly, benefiting from the excellent photosensing ability and transporting properties, the device shows ultralow‐power consumption of 39.0 pJ and a 4 × 4 OESDs array is developed to realize the visual perception and memory. This work not only supplies a novel route to realize complex functional integration just in one device, but also offers effective strategies for developing neuromorphic visual system.