An electrically and optically controllable memristor with synaptic plasticity based on scalable monolayer ReS2/WS2 heterostructure

Abstract

Memristors with non-volatile storage performance and simulated synaptic functions are regarded as one of the critical devices to overcome the bottleneck in traditional von Neumann computer architecture. van der Waals heterostructures integrating excellent properties of two-dimensional semiconductor materials, possessing controllable optoelectronic properties and high compatibility with conventional microelectronic technology, have paved a new way for the development of advanced memristors. Herein, we demonstrate a two-dimensional planar memristor with both electrical and optical controllability based on ReS2/WS2 van der Waals heterostructure. The device shows a typical unipolar non-volatile behavior with a high Ron/Roff ratio, multiple tunable resistance states, and desirable endurance and retention. It also successfully realizes biological synaptic functions and plasticity, including spike rate-dependent plasticity and paired-pulse facilitation. Furthermore, the developed device shows a significant gate controllability and a remarkable optical tunability. The superior performance is attributed to the unique optoelectronic property and the interlayer interaction in the heterostructure. The research presented here demonstrates the potential of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures for high-performance memristor applications and further developments in modelling biological synapses.