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An Organic Transistor Mimicking the Main Functions of a Synapse

http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/62210.htm

A group of researchers at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, CNRS / Lille1 University / Valenciennes University / Isen Recherche) and at CEA LIST have just achieved a world first by designing a transistor that can mimic the main functions of a synapse, the point of connection between two neurons, or between a neuron and a cell, across which a potential nerve impulse is transmitted to a cell emitting the signal so that the function is carried out.

The organic transistor is based on pentacene, a chemical compound belonging to the family of poly-cyclical aromatic hydrocarbons, which is a good organic semiconductor, and on gold nanoparticles, hence its name NOMFET (Nanoparticle-Organic Memory Transistor). The encapsulated pentacene-covered nanoparticles fixed in the transistor channel have a memory effect enabling them to mimic the way a synapse works during the transmission of impulses between two neurons. This property endows the electronic component with the ability to evolve according to the system in which it is placed. By way of comparison, 7 CMOS transistors at least have been required to mimic the plasticity, until now.

The research published in the January 22 issue of Advanced Functional Materials clears the way for new generations of neuro-inspired calculators that can respond in a manner similar to the nervous system.

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Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnolgy (Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, IEMN) - Dominique Vuillaume - Phone: +33 (0)3 20 19 78 66 - Email: dominique.vuillaume@iemn.univ-lille1.fr

Code brève
ADIT : 62210

ADIT - Jean-François Desessard - email: jfd@adit.fr

eTech France numéro 237 (8/02/2010) - ADIT / ADIT - http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/62210.htm