2D Piezo-Ferro-Opto-Electronic Artificial Synapse for Bio-Inspired Multimodal Sensory Integration

Multimodal sensory integration is vital for the evolution of artificial intelligence, yet current approaches often rely on physically connecting distinct sensing units (such as visual and tactile devices) through external circuits, leading to data transmission delays and information loss. Here, a groundbreaking paradigm is demonstrated for integrating visual-tactile fusion perception in one device with a single functional material. This is achieved by developing an unprecedented 2D Piezo-Ferro-Opto-Electronic (PFOE) Artificial Synapse, which combines the comprehensive ferroelectricity (for synaptic behaviors), piezoelectricity (for tactile modulation), and optoelectronic responsiveness (for visual detection) of strained 2D NbOI₂. Under the synergistic influence of light and strain, the device exhibits remarkable persistent photoconductivity (PPC), a notable increase in paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) index (from 116% to 180%), and a reduction in the power exponent of the sublinear power-law fitting photocurrent curve (from 0.797 to 0.376). These features enhance the clarity and recognition of fingerprint images that integrate visual and tactile information. The work provides a robust foundation for integrating multisensory capabilities into advanced human-machine interfaces and artificial intelligence systems, marking a significant leap forward in the development of multifunctional neuromorphic devices.