Retina‐Inspired Structurally Tunable Synaptic Perovskite Nanocones

Abstract

AbstractArtificial photonic synapses with morphologically controlled photoreception, allowing for area‐dependent tunable light reception as well as information storage and learning, have potential for application in emerging photo‐interactive neuro‐computing technologies. Herein, an artificially intelligent (AI) photonic synapse with area‐density‐tunable perovskite nano‐cone arrays templated in a self‐assembled block copolymer (BCP) is presented, which is based on a field effect transistor with a floating gate of photoreceptive perovskite crystal arrays preferentially synthesized in a micro‐phase‐segregated BCP film. These arrays are capable of electric charge (de)trapping and photo‐excited charge generation, and they exhibit versatile synaptic functions of the nervous system, including paired‐pulse facilitation and long‐term potentiation, with excellent reliability. The area‐density variable perovskite floating gate developed by off‐centered spin coating process allows for emulating the human retina with a position‐dependent spatial distribution of cones. 60 × 12 arrays of the developed synapse devices exhibit position‐dependent dual functions of receptor and synapse. They are AI and exhibit a pattern recognition accuracy up to ≈90% when examined using the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology handwritten digit pattern recognition test.