(Invited) Ionic Nanoarchitectonics to Create Novel Functional and High-Performance Devices, Such As Neuromorphic Devices

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Many semiconductor devices are used in electronic information equipment, which is indispensable in today's information society. Progress in memory and computing functions through the integration of semiconductor devices has been supported by the development of ultra-fine processing technology, but there are concerns that this progress will slow down in the near future. In order to continuously improve the performance of electronic information devices, it is therefore necessary not only to further develop conventional semiconductor devices, but also to create innovative devices that operate according to new principles. Recent years have also seen the development of hardware-oriented artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as brain-inspired computers that operate with low power consumption and small size. To realize such hardware-oriented AI systems, it is necessary to create devices with various unique functions, such as neuromorphic devices that mimic the structure and functions of the brain. These devices would include not only conventional semiconductor devices with properties suitable for digital arithmetic processing, but also devices with properties suitable for analogue arithmetic processing based on new operating principles. Material properties are strongly influenced by small rearrangements and substitutions of constituent atoms. We have vigorously explored interesting nanophenomena and new functions arising from the control of nano- to atomic-scale ultrafine structures, such as small changes in atomic arrangement using ion transport [1-3]. This control of ultrafine structure can be achieved using ionic nanoarchitectonics methods, which allow local control of ion transport and electrochemical reactions occurring at solid interfaces and surfaces (Fig. 1). We have exploited various nanophenomena generated by this method to create ionic devices with electrical, magnetic and optical functions. In this talk, we will present various ionic devices created using ionic nanoarchitectonics, such as artificial vision devices that mimic the human retina to reproduce optical illusions, and decision-making devices that learn and make decisions on their own. In addition, ionic devices produced by ionic nanoarchitecture show promise for the development of hardware-oriented AI technology, the next generation of electronic information technology.