Scientists Creating Better Memristors for Brain-like Computing
May 17, 2021 | ACN NewswireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Scientists are getting better at making neurone-like junctions for computers that mimic the human brain's random information processing, storage and recall. Fei Zhuge of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and colleagues reviewed the latest developments in the design of these 'memristors' for the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
Computers apply artificial intelligence programs to recall previously learned information and make predictions. These programs are extremely energy- and time-intensive: typically, vast volumes of data must be transferred between separate memory and processing units. To solve this issue, researchers have been developing computer hardware that allows for more random and simultaneous information transfer and storage, much like the human brain.
Electronic circuits in these 'neuromorphic' computers include memristors that resemble the junctions between neurones called synapses. Energy flows through a material from one electrode to another, much like a neurone firing a signal across the synapse to the next neurone. Scientists are now finding ways to better tune this intermediate material so the information flow is more stable and reliable.
"Oxides are the most widely used materials in memristors," says Zhuge. "But oxide memristors have unsatisfactory stability and reliability. Oxide-based hybrid structures can effectively improve this."
Memristors are usually made of an oxide-based material sandwiched between two electrodes. Researchers are getting better results when they combine two or more layers of different oxide-based materials between the electrodes. When an electrical current flows through the network, it induces ions to drift within the layers. The ions' movements ultimately change the memristor's resistance, which is necessary to send or stop a signal through the junction.
Memristors can be tuned further by changing the compounds used for electrodes or by adjusting the intermediate oxide-based materials. Zhuge and his team are currently developing optoelectronic neuromorphic computers based on optically-controlled oxide memristors. Compared to electronic memristors, photonic ones are expected to have higher operation speeds and lower energy consumption. They could be used to construct next generation artificial visual systems with high computing efficiency.
Suggested Items
IDTechEx Report on Quantum Technology: Nano-scale Physics for Massive Market Impact
04/30/2024 | PRNewswireThe quantum technology market leverages nano-scale physics to create revolutionary new devices for computing, sensing, and communications. Across the industry, quantum technology offers a paradigm shift in performance compared with incumbent solutions.
Argonne, RIKEN Sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Support of AI for Science
04/16/2024 | BUSINESS WIRELeaders in high performance computing in the U.S. and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a cooperative relationship in support of artificial intelligence (AI) computing projects.
U.S. Updates Advanced Semiconductor Ban, Actual Impact on the Industry Will Be Insignificant
04/09/2024 | TrendForceOn March 29th, the United States announced another round of updates to its export controls, targeting advanced computing, supercomputers, semiconductor end-uses, and semiconductor manufacturing products.
Ansys, NVIDIA Pioneer Next Era of Computer-Aided Engineering
03/29/2024 | ANSYSAnsys announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to develop next-generation simulation solutions powered by accelerated computing and generative AI.
Japanese Joint Research Group win Prime Minister’s Award with Ultra High-performance Computing Platform
03/25/2024 | FujitsuA Japanese consortium of research partners including RIKEN, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka University, Fujitsu Limited, and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) have been recognized with the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award.