# Intrinsically flexible multimode reconfigurable transistors for polymorphic circuits and neuromorphic devices

## TL;DR

This paper introduces flexible transistors that can switch between different modes, enabling smart wearable devices and robotics.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of intrinsically flexible multimode reconfigurable transistors with dual-gate structure.

## Key findings

- The transistors can switch between p-type, n-type, and ambipolar modes using either gate.
- They enable polymorphic logic circuits and artificial synapses for neuromorphic applications.
- The transistors retain functionality after 5000 bending cycles, showing durability for flexible electronics.

## Abstract

Reconfigurable transistors hold considerable significance for both integrated circuits and neuromorphic electronics. At the same time, flexible electronics is developing rapidly, promoted by various emerging applications, such as wearable electronics and smart robots. Therefore, flexible reconfigurable transistors are highly expected to create emerging application scenarios while they are seldom reported. Here, intrinsically flexible multimode reconfigurable transistors (IFMRTs) with dual-gate structure are proposed and realized. Either top or bottom gate can serve as the modulation terminal to switch the transistor among p-type, n-type, and ambipolar modes. The threshold voltage of the reconfigurable transistor is modulable. Based on IFMRTs, we have demonstrated inverters and polymorphic logic circuits with key bit-selectable NAND or NOR logic functions, which provides solutions for hardware security. We have also demonstrated artificial heterosynapse and dendrite, achieving reconfigurable synaptic responses and dendrite integration. Taking the simulation of automatic obstacle avoidance and coordination control of hand movement by low-level and high-level neural centers as examples, we illustrate the potential intelligence of IFMRTs in robotic decision-making and arm control. IFMRTs maintain their reconfigurability even after 5000 bending cycles at 4 mm radius. The design and demonstration of IFMRTs open up possibilities for flexible wearable electronics and soft intelligent robots.

Flexible reconfigurable transistors are promising for applications in wearable electronics and smart robotics. Here, the authors present intrinsically flexible multimode reconfigurable transistors with dual-gate structure, which can switch among p-type, n-type and ambipolar modes.