A Hybrid Optical/Electric Memristor for Light-Based Logic and Communication

摘要： Light-based information processing has the potential to increase speed, security and scalability of electronics if issues in the device complexity could be resolved. We here demonstrate an integrated nano-electronic device that can combine, store, and manipulate optical and electronic information. Employing a mechanically flexible and multilayered structure, a device is realized that shows memristive behavior. Illumination is shown to control the device operation in several unique ways. First, the device produces photocurrent that allows us to read out the device state in a self-powered manner. More importantly, a varying light intensity modulates the switching transition in a proportional manner that is akin to a neuron with variable plasticity and which can be taught and queried using either light or electrical inputs. This behavior enables a multi-level light-controlled logic and teaching schemes that can be applied to light-based communication devices and provides a route towards ubiquitous and low-cost sensors for future internet of things applications.