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A neuromorphic bionic eye with filter-free color vision using hemispherical perovskite nanowire array retina
Zhenghao Long1,2,3, Xiao Qiu1,2,3, Chak Lam Jonathan Chan1
1Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Nature Communications
|April 8, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bionic eye with tunable optics and a neuromorphic retina. This artificial eye achieves filter-free color vision and optical adaptivity, mimicking biological eye functions.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetic engineering
- Neuro-photonics
- Materials science
Background:
- Human eyes possess spherical geometry, adaptive optics, and dense neural networks for wide field-of-view, low aberration, and visual preprocessing.
- Fabricating spherical artificial eyes presents challenges in integrating color vision, in-device preprocessing, and optical adaptivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a bionic eye that overcomes limitations in artificial vision systems.
- To integrate tunable optics and advanced retinal processing for enhanced artificial eye functionality.
Main Methods:
- Development of a bionic eye utilizing tunable liquid crystal optics.
- Incorporation of a hemispherical neuromorphic retina based on a metal-oxide nanotube/perovskite nanowire hybrid structure.
- Achieving filter-free color vision through wavelength-dependent bidirectional synaptic photo-response.
Main Results:
- The bionic eye successfully integrates tunable optics and a neuromorphic retina.
- Filter-free color vision is achieved via a novel hybrid material structure.
- The device demonstrates the ability to reconstruct full-color images by tuning color selectivity with electrical bias.
Conclusions:
- This work presents a significant advancement in artificial eye technology.
- The developed bionic eye addresses key challenges in color vision and optical adaptivity.
- The approach paves the way for artificial eyes that more closely resemble biological counterparts.
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