Emulating working memory consolidation with a 1D supramolecular nanofibre-based neuromorphic device

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Materials Science
• Neuromorphic Engineering
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive functions like learning and forgetting are fundamental to brain activity.
• Memory consolidation is crucial for stabilizing learned information and preventing forgetting.
• Current neuromorphic devices inadequately address the emulation of memory consolidation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emulate and quantify working memory consolidation using a novel neuromorphic device.
• To investigate the influence of environmental factors, specifically humidity, on memory consolidation.
• To establish parallels between the device's behavior and biological memory mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-terminal optically active resistive neuromorphic device based on 1D supramolecular nanofibres.
• Employed optical input as stimuli to modulate the device's photoresponse.
• Investigated consolidation by exposing the device to varying humidity levels and optical stimuli.

Main Results:

• Successfully emulated working memory consolidation, aligning with mathematical models featuring two-time constants.
• Demonstrated that humidity actively modulates the consolidation process, impacting memory retention.
• Quantified consolidation variations across learning, relearning, environmental changes, fatigue, and habituation.

Conclusions:

• The developed neuromorphic device effectively emulates working memory consolidation.
• Humidity plays a significant role in memory stability and retention, acting as an active control mechanism.
• The study defines a consolidation parameter, highlighting its integral role in cognitive processes and environmental interactions.