Light-stimulable molecules/nanoparticles networks for switchable logical functions and reservoir computing

TL;DR

This paper presents the fabrication of nanoparticle networks with light-switchable molecules that perform logical operations and can be used for reservoir computing, highlighting their high switching yield and complex electron transport properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel molecular network system capable of light-controlled logical functions and reservoir computing, demonstrating high switching efficiency and complex non-linear dynamics.

Findings

Switching yield up to 74% for molecular isomerization

Demonstration of light-driven logical operations

Complex non-linearity suitable for reservoir computing

Abstract

We report the fabrication and electron transport properties of nanoparticles self-assembled networks (NPSAN) of molecular switches (azobenzene derivatives) interconnected by Au nanoparticles, and we demonstrate optically-driven switchable logical operations associated to the light controlled switching of the molecules. The switching yield is up to 74%. We also demonstrate that these NPSANs are prone for light-stimulable reservoir computing. The complex non-linearity of electron transport and dynamics in these highly connected and recurrent networks of molecular junctions exhibit rich high harmonics generation (HHG) required for reservoir computing (RC) approaches. Logical functions and HHG are controlled by the isomerization of the molecules upon light illumination. These results, without direct analogs in semiconductor devices, open new perspectives to molecular electronics in unconventional computing.