TY - JOUR
T1 - Integrating molecular photoswitch memory with nanoscale optoelectronics for neuromorphic computing
AU - Alcer, David
AU - Zaiats, Nelia
AU - Jensen, Thomas K.
AU - Philip, Abbey M.
AU - Gkanias, Evripidis
AU - Ceberg, Nils
AU - Das, Abhijit
AU - Flodgren, Vidar
AU - Heinze, Stanley
AU - Borgström, Magnus T.
AU - Webb, Barbara
AU - Laursen, Bo W.
AU - Mikkelsen, Anders
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Photonic solutions are potentially highly competitive for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. However, a combination of specialized nanostructures is needed to implement all neuro-biological functionality. Here, we show that donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct dyes integrated with III-V semiconductor nano-optoelectronics have combined excellent functionality for bio-inspired neural networks. The dye acts as synaptic weights in the optical interconnects, while the nano-optoelectronics provide neuron reception, interpretation and emission of light signals. These dyes can reversibly switch from absorbing to non-absorbing states, using specific wavelength ranges. Together, they show robust and predictable switching, low energy thermal reset and a memory dynamic range from days to sub-seconds that allows both short- and long-term memory operation at natural timescales. Furthermore, as the dyes do not need electrical connections, on-chip integration is simple. We illustrate the functionality using individual nanowire photodiodes as well as arrays. Based on the experimental performance metrics, our on-chip solution is capable of operating an anatomically validated model of the insect brain navigation complex.
AB - Photonic solutions are potentially highly competitive for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. However, a combination of specialized nanostructures is needed to implement all neuro-biological functionality. Here, we show that donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct dyes integrated with III-V semiconductor nano-optoelectronics have combined excellent functionality for bio-inspired neural networks. The dye acts as synaptic weights in the optical interconnects, while the nano-optoelectronics provide neuron reception, interpretation and emission of light signals. These dyes can reversibly switch from absorbing to non-absorbing states, using specific wavelength ranges. Together, they show robust and predictable switching, low energy thermal reset and a memory dynamic range from days to sub-seconds that allows both short- and long-term memory operation at natural timescales. Furthermore, as the dyes do not need electrical connections, on-chip integration is simple. We illustrate the functionality using individual nanowire photodiodes as well as arrays. Based on the experimental performance metrics, our on-chip solution is capable of operating an anatomically validated model of the insect brain navigation complex.
U2 - 10.1038/s43246-024-00707-w
DO - 10.1038/s43246-024-00707-w
M3 - Journal article
VL - 6
JO - Communications Materials
JF - Communications Materials
SN - 2662-4443
IS - 1
ER -