Visible Light‐Sensitive Artificial Photonic Synapse

Abstract

Computing based on artificial neuron networks holds great promise in overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck and significantly enhancing computing efficiency. It offers a wide range of possibilities for artificial visual system applications. Photonic synapses, as essential components, can contribute to improved efficiency in visual information processing by leveraging their low latency, high propagation speed, and broad bandwidth capabilities. Herein, a photonic transistor capable of detecting visible light and exhibiting synaptic characteristics under various visible stimuli is presented. This is achieved by integrating a photo‐sensitive polymer as a floating gate charge trapping medium. The synaptic device successfully emulates fundamental synaptic behaviors such as excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), pair‐pulse facilitation, the transition of short‐term memory to long‐term memory, and learning and forgetting processes. Furthermore, leveraging the ESPC responses, the informative synaptic outputs modulated by light signals enable a non‐contact writing method, paving the way for advancements in optical wireless communication. It is believed that this work serves as a promising building block to complete the bio‐inspired photonic computing paradigm.

Centimeter-Scale Tellurium Oxide Films for Artificial Optoelectronic Synapses with Broadband Responsiveness and Mechanical Flexibility

“…In general, τ 2 is significantly larger than τ 1 in usual biological synapses, which is indicative of successive synaptic stimulation. 71 tion of conductance in optical synapses, which enables to maintain PSC at a specific level even after the optical pulse illumination is terminated. Overall, Figure 3 confirms that TeO 2 devices demonstrate comprehensive features of STM, LTM, and the transition of STM-to-LTM at various wavelengths, essential for optical synapses in successfully mimicking the human brain memory process.…”

“…The relaxation time characteristics τ 1 (or, τ 2 ) represents the rapid (or, slow) phase of the PPF index, respectively, while the magnitude of the rapid (or, slow) phase is denoted by c 1 (or, c 2 ) which corresponds to the initial facilitation. In general, τ 2 is significantly larger than τ 1 in usual biological synapses, which is indicative of successive synaptic stimulation . PPF characteristics are characterized by the nonvolatile modification of conductance in optical synapses, which enables to maintain PSC at a specific level even after the optical pulse illumination is terminated.…”

Cyclopentadithiophene-based Conjugated Polymers for Organic Thermoelectric Devices and Other Applications

“…For several decades, conjugated polymers (CPs) have garnered extensive interest for their potential as portable and flexible semiconductors in optoelectronic applications, including optical communications, energy storage, and light harvesting devices [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . The appeal of CPs lies in their solution-processable nature, low toxicity, and ability to produce thin, lightweight devices.…”