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A retinomorphic neuron for artificial vision and iris accommodation.

Lin Sun^1,2, Shangda Qu^1,2, Wentao Xu^1,2

¹Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electrical Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China. wentao@nankai.edu.cn.

Materials Horizons

|October 9, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel artificial iris system using neuromorphic photoreceptors. This biomimetic device mimics the human eye

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Area of Science:

Biomimetic Engineering
Neuromorphic Computing
Artificial Vision

Background:

The human iris dynamically adjusts light levels reaching the retina.
Existing artificial irises and photoreceptors lack biological neural processing.
Mimicking retinal neuron function is key for advanced artificial vision.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a retinomorphic neuron system for artificial vision and iris accommodation.
To create a device that mimics biological light sensing and signal transduction.
To demonstrate biomimetic pupillary light reflexes.

Main Methods:

Utilized a neuromorphic photoreceptor based on gold nanoparticle-decorated ITO fiber.
Integrated an electrochromic device for light filtering and a spike-generation unit.
Leveraged light-tunable synaptic plasticity and plasmon-enhanced light absorption for feedback.

Main Results:

The system provides real-time light intensity feedback.
Higher light intensity triggers higher-frequency electrical stimuli.
The device successfully drives an electrochromic filter for light modulation, mimicking pupillary reflexes.

Conclusions:

This study presents the first artificial retinal neuron with neuromorphic photoreceptors for artificial iris vision.
The design integrates neural pathways and neuromorphic devices for enhanced biological mimicry.
Potential applications include biomimetic engineering, smart interaction, and visual prostheses.