Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

A Method for Growing Bio-memristors from Slime Mold
Published on: November 2, 2017
Thermally Activated Negative Differential Resistance VOx Memristor with Switchable Rate and Leaky Integrate-and-Fire
Li-Chung Shih1, Zih-Siao Liao1, Gennady Cherkashinin2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Spiking neural networks (SNNs) require neuron devices that are both compact and capable of supporting continuous-time and event-based dynamics. Here, we demonstrate a VOx-based threshold switching memristor (TSM) that intrinsically enables dual-mode operation, functioning as both a spiking encoder and a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron. While such dual behavior is theoretically possible in volatile memristors, it has only been experimentally demonstrated in limited cases. It is achieved intrinsically in a single VOx-based device, arising from a thermally driven insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) within the VOx layer, confirmed by temperature-dependent XRD and correlated with snap-back negative differential resistance (NDR) observed in electrical measurements. Integrated into a passive circuit, the device generates high-frequency spike trains under analog input and tunable LIF responses under pulsed stimulation. The device achieves a maximum spiking frequency of 570 kHz, a time-to-first-spike (TTFS) of 1.6 μs, and energy consumption as low as 4.7 nJ per spike. These results highlight the strong coupling between structural phase dynamics and neuronal functions, positioning the VOx TSM as a promising platform for scalable neuromorphic hardware with biologically realistic spiking capabilities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
MOS Capacitor
The metal gate is typically made from highly conductive materials such as aluminum or polysilicon. Beneath the metal gate lies a thin layer of...
MOSFET: Enhancement Mode
In their basic form, enhancement-mode MOSFETs are typically non-conductive when the gate-source voltage (Vgs) is zero. This default 'off' state means no...
Characteristics of MOSFET
Various vital parameters influence their functionality, which is crucial for theory and electronics applications. First, channel dimensions, precisely length, and width, are pivotal. The size of these channels affects the transistor's ability to carry current and switching speeds; shorter channels typically enable...
MOSFET: Depletion Mode
The primary characteristic of depletion-mode MOSFETs is their ability to conduct current between the drain and source terminals without gate bias. This inherent conductivity...
Design Example: Frog Muscle Response
When the switch connecting the RL circuit is closed, a brief muscle contraction is observed. This is because, at a steady state, the inductor acts like a short...
Clamper Circuit
Within this circuit, the diode's orientation prompts the capacitor to charge up to the level of the most negative peak of the input signal. Upon reaching this state, the diode ceases to...

