Stimuli-Enabled Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Perception: Progress and Perspectives

Abstract

Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing is intended to provide effective emulation of the functionality of the human brain via the integration of electronic components. Recent studies of synaptic plasticity, which represents one of the most significant neurochemical bases of learning and memory, have enhanced the general comprehension of how the brain functions and have thereby eased the development of artificial neuromorphic devices. An understanding of the synaptic plasticity induced by various types of stimuli is essential for neuromorphic system construction. The realization of multiple stimuli-enabled synapses will be important for future neuromorphic computing applications. In this Review, state-of-the-art synaptic devices with particular emphasis on their synaptic behaviors under excitation by a variety of external stimuli are summarized, including electric fields, light, magnetic fields, pressure, and temperature. The switching mechanisms of these synaptic devices are discussed in detail, including ion migration, electron/hole transfer, phase transition, redox-based resistive switching, and other mechanisms. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the operating mechanisms of artificial synapses and thus provides the principles required for design of multifunctional neuromorphic systems with parallel processing capabilities.

Keywords: artificial synapses; neuromorphic perception; switching mechanisms.