Breakthrough in Neuromorphic Computing: Researchers Develop Low-Power, High-Performance Synaptic Devices

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Xiangtan University have made a significant breakthrough in the field of neuromorphic computing, developing low-power, high-performance synaptic devices that can efficiently process information and adapt to changes in their environment. These devices have the potential to revolutionize the development of artificial neural networks and visual sensing systems. The research, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province, China, aims to address the limitations of traditional von Neumann architecture in terms of computational power and energy efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research proposes a self-powered photodetection and optoelectronic synaptic device based on 2H-MoTe2/WSe2 heterojunctions, which operates in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (405-1550 nm).
  • The device can detect ultra-low optical signals with an optical power density of 10 μW cm-2 and has a high responsivity of 11.74 mA W-1.
  • The heterojunction exhibits broadband synaptic properties and a minimum power consumption of 90 fJ for one spike.
  • The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) index of 52.6% is achieved with two consecutive optical pulse stimulations (0.4 s interval).
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C.
  • The findings propose an innovative solution for next-generation low-power visual sensing systems and artificial neural networks.

Statistics:

  • The device operates in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (405-1550 nm).
  • The heterojunction exhibits a responsivity of 11.74 mA W-1 in the near-infrared light at 1064 nm.
  • The device has a minimum power consumption of 90 fJ for one spike.
  • The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) index of 52.6% is achieved with two consecutive optical pulse stimulations (0.4 s interval).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Xiangtan University Reveal New Findings on Engineering (Broadband Photodetection and Artificial Visual Synapses Enabled By the Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Effects of 2h-mote 2 /wse 2 Heterojunction). Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 4149.
  • Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Broadband Photodetection and Artificial Visual Synapses Enabled By the Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Effects of 2h-mote 2 /wse 2 Heterojunction. 2025.