Polymeric Memristors as Entropy Sources for Probabilistic Bit Generation

Abstract

Probabilistic bits, or p‐bits, represent a novel computational element that bridges the gap between deterministic classical bits and quantum bits (qubits) used in quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that maintain a definite state of 0 or 1, a p‐bit fluctuates between these states in a controlled, stochastic manner. This probabilistic behavior allows for the representation and processing of information in a form that leverages inherent randomness. In this study, a unique approach is presented to generating p‐bits using a hybrid conjugated polymer, poly‐4‐((6‐(4H‐dithieno[3,2‐b:2',3'‐d]pyrrol‐4‐yl)hexyl)oxy)‐N,N‐diphenylaniline (pTPADTP), as a memristive material. The polymer's conjugated backbone, combined with pendant triphenylamine groups, enables the creation of p‐bits through random resistance switching. The stochasticity of this polymeric memristor makes it particularly suited for p‐bit applications in stochastic optimization, probabilistic algorithms, and artificial neural networks. The charge transport in the polymer is facilitated by two synergistic percolation mechanisms: one occurring along the polymer backbone and the other through the pendant triphenylamine groups. The study of p‐bits generated from pTPADTP opens new avenues for advancing both the theory and practice of computation, where uncertainty and randomness are harnessed as valuable computational resources.