Flexible computing device made of a ferroelectric polymer mimics neuron behavior

Biomimetic, artificially intelligent devices may shed light on how human brain works. Building on previous research that proved electrical polarization signals play the same role in both neurons and in ferroelectric materials, Liu et al. fabricated a flexible computing device with a ferroelectric polymer material, which mimics the flow of information and sequential processing among neurons.

“Flexible devices are an important development trend for next-generation electronic products, because they can interact more fully with the human body than traditional electronics,” said author Jiahao Liu. “As the ‘brain’ of electronic products, the logical computing module is the core to controlling them and implementing complex functions.”

The ferroelectric polymer membrane, on which the device is based, is tunable, has data retention abilities, high state discrimination at the nanoscale and can perform Boolean logic operations. These factors combined make it possible for the device to communicate with neurons. As well, the device is simple to fabricate and can adhere to human skin.

“By connecting with biosensors, the computing device would analyze all physiological signals and enable intuitive health management,” said Liu. “If the device is connected to the internet, it might even help us make decisions in our daily lives while work and studying, by looking at our habits, preferences, physical and mental conditions through data tracking.”

The researchers intend on expanding the array of computing units to a flexible chip, increasing compatibility with the current electronics industry and integrating the device with other modules to design a complete flexible electronic product.

Source: “All-organic flexible logical computing system based on electrical polarization of ferroelectric polymers,” by Jia-Hao Liu, Xin Chen, Yao Ren, and Qun-Dong Shen, Applied Physics Letters (2020). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0002139 .