Self-assembled neuromorphic networks at self-organized criticality in Ag-hBN platform

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates self-assembled, brain-like neuromorphic networks exhibiting self-organized criticality in a CMOS-compatible Ag-hBN platform, with tunable network states and avalanche dynamics resembling neural activity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel Ag-hBN system that hosts two distinct self-organized networks with SOC, enabling neuron-like behavior in a 2D material platform.

Findings

Networks exhibit power-law avalanche dynamics.

Networks can be switched via voltage control.

First realization of neuron-like networks in 2D materials.

Abstract

Networks and systems which exhibit brain-like behavior can analyze information from intrinsically noisy and unstructured data with very low power consumption. Such characteristics arise due to the critical nature and complex interconnectivity of the brain and its neuronal network. We demonstrate that a system comprising of multilayer hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) films contacted with Silver (Ag), that can uniquely host two different self-assembled networks, which are self-organized at criticality (SOC). This system shows bipolar resistive switching between high resistance (HRS) and low resistance states (LRS). In the HRS, Ag clusters (nodes) intercalate in the van der Waals gaps of hBN forming a network of tunnel junctions, whereas the LRS contains a network of Ag filaments. The temporal avalanche dynamics in both these states exhibit power-law scaling, long-range temporal correlation, and SOC. These networks can be tuned from one to another with voltage as a control parameter. For the first time, different neuron-like networks are realized in a single CMOS compatible, 2D materials platform.