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A Highly Transparent Artificial Photonic Nociceptor
Mohit Kumar1, Hong-Sik Kim1, Joondong Kim1,2
1Photoelectric and Energy Device Application Lab (PEDAL), Multidisciplinary Core Institute for Future Energies (MCIFE), Incheon National University, 119 Academy Rd. Yeonsu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|March 30, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a transparent, UV-triggered artificial nociceptor mimicking the human eye. This energy-efficient device exhibits key nociceptive behaviors, paving the way for advanced neuromorphic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Neuroscience
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Nociceptors are crucial for detecting harmful stimuli.
- Mimicking nociceptive behavior in electronic devices is a key challenge in neuromorphic engineering.
- Existing devices often lack transparency and efficient energy operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate an all-oxide, highly transparent artificial nociceptor.
- To achieve ultraviolet (UV)-triggered nociceptive responses similar to the human eye.
- To explore energy-efficient neuromorphic device operation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an all-oxide-based transparent device.
- Characterization of current-voltage (I-V) properties, including loop opening due to charge trapping/detrapping.
- Testing UV-induced nociceptive criteria (threshold, relaxation, allodynia, hyperalgesia) under self-biased conditions.
Main Results:
- The device exhibits high transmittance (>65%) and low visible light absorbance.
- UV stimuli successfully triggered versatile nociceptive behaviors.
- Self-biased operation demonstrated energy efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel transparent, UV-triggered artificial nociceptor.
- The device's characteristics are analogous to human nociception.
- This work offers potential for transparent optoelectronic nociceptors, artificial eyes, and memory devices.
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