Analysis of Excitability in Resonant Tunneling Diode-Photodetectors

Abstract

We investigate the dynamic behaviour of resonant tunneling diode-photodetectors (RTD-PDs) in which the excitability can be activated by either electrical noise or optical signals. In both cases, we find the characteristics of the stochastic spiking behavior are not only dependent on the biasing positions but also controlled by the intensity of the input perturbations. Additionally, we explore the ability of RTD-PDs to perform optical signal transmission and neuromorphic spike generation simultaneously. These versatile functions indicate the possibility of making use of RTD-PDs for innovative applications, such as optoelectronic neuromorphic circuits for spike-encoded signaling and data processing.

Brain-inspired nanophotonic spike computing: challenges and prospects

“…CC BY 4.0. ), (e) light-induced stochastic spiking demonstrated in RTD photodiodes (Reproduced from [72]. CC BY 4.0.…”

“…The most remarkable examples include the use of bistable RTD photodetectors for light-induced stochastic resonance phenomena (figure 5(a) [71]), excitability in photosensitive RTD-laser hybrid integrated circuit devices for spiking and bursting (figure 5(b) [21]), autaptic (self-feedback) neuron-like signalling (figure 5(c) [39]), and mixed-mode neuron-like oscillations (figure 5(d) [60]). More recently, light-induced stochastic spiking was demonstrated in RTD photodiodes (figure 5(e) [72]), and in-device coincidence detection (logical AND), and exclusive logical OR (XOR) tasks were demonstrated using an opto-electro-optical (O/E/O) artificial neuron built with an RTD coupled to a photodetector as a receiver and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser as a transmitter (figure 5(f) [73]). In what follows, we present the key nonlinear dynamic functions of neuromorphic RTDs biomimicking neurons.…”

“…We note that the all-or-nothing response, which activates the spiking response with a constant refractory time for a given input above a certain threshold, is the cause of this important characteristic of the spiking nanoRTD-LED. Finally, since RTD-based photodetectors have already been demonstrated [72,84], the photosensitive characteristics of DBQW structures could be used to create optically activated neuromorphic nanoLEDs, and the neuron receiver architecture is covered in more detail in sections 5.3 and 5.4.…”

“…Experiments to generate spikes with RTD-PDs featuring optical windows on top of the pillar mesa have been reported recently [72]. Figures 17(a) and (b) show the electrical and optical experimental setups, respectively, used to investigate the generation of spike signals in RTD-PDs.…”

Single-Photon Counting with Semiconductor Resonant Tunneling Devices

“…This scheme could be used as interface between optical communication networks and THz terminals, or even as a method of contactless read-out. Instead of short radio-frequency bursts, it is possible to excite non-oscillating spiking [ 40 ]. Please note, that in the oscillator mode the capability to detect single photons has yet to be demonstrated experimentally.…”