Artificial Retina Based on Organic Heterojunction Transistors for Mobile Recognition

Nano Lett. 2024 Mar 13;24(10):3204-3212. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00087. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Abstract

The flicker frequency of incident light constitutes a critical determinant in biology. Nevertheless, the exploration of methods to simulate external light stimuli with varying frequencies and develop artificial retinal neurons capable of responsive behavior remains an open question. This study presents an artificial neuron comprising organic phototransistors. The triggering properties of neurons are modulated by optical input, enabling them to execute rudimentary synaptic functions, emulating the biological characteristics of retinal neurons. The artificial retinal neuron exhibits varying responses to incoming light frequencies, allowing it to replicate the persistent visual behavior of the human eye and facilitating image discrimination. Additionally, through seamless integration with circuitry, it can execute motion recognition on a machine cart, preventing collisions with high-speed obstacles. The artificial retinal neuron offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for future mobile robot processors.

Keywords: artificial retinal neuron; mobile recognition; organic phototransistor; visual behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Retina*
  • Vision, Ocular*