Emerging Optical In‐Memory Computing Sensor Synapses Based on Low‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Neuromorphic Networks

Abstract

Herein, a comprehensive summary of optical in‐memory computing sensor synapses based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials is introduced systematically, including 0D, 1D, and 2D materials. Biological foundation of the research on bionic synaptic devices, including the electrical synapse (left) and chemical synapse (right) is presented here. Emerging optical synapses with in‐memory computing sensor (IMCS) performance are considered to be one of the most effective candidates to circumvent the bottleneck of the current Von Neumann structure while developing neuromorphic systems with higher effectiveness and lower energy consumption. Biomimetic properties of optical IMCS synapses in function and form indicate the higher requirements for utilized functional materials, such as stronger optical sensitivity and lower energy dissipation. Because of properties with high optical‐sensitivity efficiency and excellent electrical conductivity, low‐dimensional nanomaterials have received tremendous interest in modulating optical‐induced synaptic plasticity and emulating optical‐triggered neuromorphic activity of optical IMCS synapses. Herein, a comprehensive summary of optical IMCS synapses based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials is introduced systematically for the first time, including 0D, 1D, and 2D materials. In addition, the content of biomimetic synaptic characteristics, materials classification, operation mechanism, and neuromorphic applications of optical IMCS synapses based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials are also summarized in this work. At last, the challenges and outlook related to artificial optical IMCS synapses with low‐dimensional nanomaterials are provided.