Emerging Memtransistors for Neuromorphic System Applications: A Review

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Jun 7;23(12):5413. doi: 10.3390/s23125413.

Abstract

The von Neumann architecture with separate memory and processing presents a serious challenge in terms of device integration, power consumption, and real-time information processing. Inspired by the human brain that has highly parallel computing and adaptive learning capabilities, memtransistors are proposed to be developed in order to meet the requirement of artificial intelligence, which can continuously sense the objects, store and process the complex signal, and demonstrate an "all-in-one" low power array. The channel materials of memtransistors include a range of materials, such as two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene, black phosphorus (BP), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). Ferroelectric materials such as P(VDF-TrFE), chalcogenide (PZT), HfxZr1-xO2(HZO), In2Se3, and the electrolyte ion are used as the gate dielectric to mediate artificial synapses. In this review, emergent technology using memtransistors with different materials, diverse device fabrications to improve the integrated storage, and the calculation performance are demonstrated. The different neuromorphic behaviors and the corresponding mechanisms in various materials including organic materials and semiconductor materials are analyzed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for the development of memtransistors in neuromorphic system applications are presented.

Keywords: ferroelectric material; memtransistors; neuromorphic behavior; resistive switching.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Brain
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon*

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • gallium oxide
  • indium oxide

Grants and funding

We acknowledge support from the Opening Project of Key Laboratory of Microelectronics Devices and Integrated Technology, Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant No. E1YS034 and Y9YS034001.