Brain-inspired computing with fluidic iontronic nanochannels

Abstract

The brain's remarkable and efficient information processing capability is driving research into brain-inspired (neuromorphic) computing paradigms. Artificial aqueous ion channels are emerging as an exciting platform for neuromorphic computing, representing a departure from conventional solid-state devices by directly mimicking the brain's fluidic ion transport. Supported by a quantitative theoretical model, we present easy to fabricate tapered microchannels that embed a conducting network of fluidic nanochannels between a colloidal structure. Due to transient salt concentration polarisation our devices are volatile memristors (memory resistors) that are remarkably stable. The voltage-driven net salt flux and accumulation, that underpin the concentration polarisation, surprisingly combine into a diffusionlike quadratic dependence of the memory retention time on the channel length, allowing channel design for a specific timescale. We implement our device as a synaptic element for neuromorphic reservoir computing. Individual channels distinguish various time series, that together represent (handwritten) numbers, for subsequent in-silico classification with a simple readout function. Our results represent a significant step towards realising the promise of fluidic ion channels as a platform to emulate the rich aqueous dynamics of the brain.

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• A simple mathematical theory for Simple Volatile Memristors and their spiking circuits
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• Angstrom Scale Ionic Memristors' Engineering with van der Waals Materials- A Route to Highly Tunable Memory States
• Scaling laws for concentration-gradient-driven electrolyte transport through a 2D membrane
• Neuromorphic Computing with Microfluidic Memristors
• Echo State and Band-pass Networks with aqueous memristors: leaky reservoir computing with a leaky substrate
• Revisiting the access conductance of a nanopore in a charged membrane
• Oscillating electroosmotic flow in channels and capillaries with modulated wall charge distribution
• Molecular insight on ultra-confined ionic transport in wetting films: the key role of friction