Fabrication of Artificial Synaptic Devices Based on Polymer Ultra-Thin Films

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K14294
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 35030:Organic functional materials-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Shunsuke Yamamoto 東北大学, 工学研究科, 助教 (70707257)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 高分子超薄膜 / 交互吸着法 / 電気化学トランジスタ / 混合伝導体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study focused on two types of devices (a) resistive switch type and (b) electrochemical transistor type to create an "artificial synaptic device" that mimics the transmission of information in the nerve and brain. As a result, we found that the neuromorphic behavior of (a) can be realized by using layer-by-layer film using redox-active polymer. In (b), we estimated the "information retention time", which is an index of neuromorphic behavior, using an active layer of conductive polymer mixed with an ion-conductive polymer. As a result, we found that the information retention time of the device became shorter on the addition of the ion-conductive polymer, indicating that the response speed of the neuromorphic device can be freely controlled.

Free Research Field

高分子物性化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これらの成果は神経模倣素子の設計方針の構築に寄与するだけでなく、今なお不明な点が多い動作原理の解明にも役立つ成果である。本研究の成果は、脳の動作を模倣した新型コンピュータの応用研究につながることが期待される。