Atomic switch networks—nanoarchitectonic design of a complex system for natural computing

Abstract

Self-organized complex systems are ubiquitous in nature, and the structural complexity of these natural systems can be used as a model to design new classes of functional nanotechnology based on highly interconnected networks of interacting units. Conventional fabrication methods for electronic computing devices are subject to known scaling limits, confining the diversity of possible architectures. This work explores methods of fabricating a self-organized complex device known as an atomic switch network and discusses its potential utility in computing. Through a merger of top-down and bottom-up techniques guided by mathematical and nanoarchitectonic design principles, we have produced functional devices comprising nanoscale elements whose intrinsic nonlinear dynamics and memorization capabilities produce robust patterns of distributed activity and a capacity for nonlinear transformation of input signals when configured in the appropriate network architecture. Their operational characteristics represent a unique potential for hardware implementation of natural computation, specifically in the area of reservoir computing-a burgeoning field that investigates the computational aptitude of complex biologically inspired systems.

Confining Cation Injection to Enhance CBRAM Performance by Nanopore Graphene Layer

“…The spontaneous switching from HRS to LRS can be attributed to the thermally accelerated diffusion of atoms into HfO 2 RS layer from the CFs, leading to the breakdown of the CFs eventually . Diffusion quantity per unit time of atoms from the CFs that bridge both AE and IE is closely related to the total surface area (TSA) of the CFs according to Fick's first law . Limited by the nanohole of the graphene, single or a few robust CFs form in the NG‐based device with smaller TSA and better thermal stability than that of multiple CFs in the control device under the same I CC condition, resulting in the improvement of retention of LRS.…”

Nanoarchitectonic atomic switch networks for unconventional computing

“…27) These processes constantly reconfigure the network and result in time-dependent potential maps of electrical activity recorded by the measurement electrodes where cascading local or distributed switching events are readily visualized. 19) Continuously evolving voltage traces are observed at points distributed throughout the network (Fig. 5) which indicate this avalanche-like effect.…”

“…19,20) The memory capabilities of the ASN are attributed to memristance-like behavior (memory of previous resistance states) of their component atomic switches which manifest as a time dependent nonlinear response to applied voltage. A single atomic switch is stimulated by applying a voltage bias to the junction, causing mobile silver cations to migrate to the cathode of the junction.…”

“…19,25) These network effects are in clear contrast to the case of individual atomic switches, but the embedded non-linear response of individual elements continue to operate with a memory of previous resistance states. 26) When stimulated with an applied bias at one point in the network [ Fig.…”

The Way to Nanoarchitectonics and the Way of Nanoarchitectonics

“…In recent years, nanoarchitectonics has begun to spread into many fields and became a common and basic concept, as seen in nanostructured materials, supramolecular assemblies, hybrid materials, fabrication methodologies, energy and environmental sciences, device and physical application, and bio and medical applications . As seen in these developments, it is clear that nanoarchitectonics is not limited to simple atomic and molecular manipulations and can be widely applicable for materials science.…”