Nanoelectronic Programmable Synapses Based on Phase Change Materials for Brain-Inspired Computing

TLDR

Brain‑inspired computing seeks to extend IT beyond digital logic, requiring compact nanoscale devices that emulate biological synapses as building blocks. The study reports a new nanoscale electronic synapse built with mature phase‑change materials. It employs continuous resistance changes in phase‑change materials to emulate analog synapses and implement a learning rule. The synapse demonstrates multiple spike‑timing‑dependent plasticity forms while consuming picojoule‑level energy.

Abstract

Brain-inspired computing is an emerging field, which aims to extend the capabilities of information technology beyond digital logic. A compact nanoscale device, emulating biological synapses, is needed as the building block for brain-like computational systems. Here, we report a new nanoscale electronic synapse based on technologically mature phase change materials employed in optical data storage and nonvolatile memory applications. We utilize continuous resistance transitions in phase change materials to mimic the analog nature of biological synapses, enabling the implementation of a synaptic learning rule. We demonstrate different forms of spike-timing-dependent plasticity using the same nanoscale synapse with picojoule level energy consumption.