Neuromorphic Circuits Based on 2D Devices

Mentored by Thomas Mikolajick, Martin Bogdan
at TU Dresden, Chair of Nanoelectronics

The demand for computing power is growing exponentially with the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Enabling energy-efficient hardware for neuromorphic computing depends on the question of whether synaptic devices combining data storage and analogue computing can be realized at device level and implemented in circuitry.

The electronic properties of semiconducting 2D materials exhibit excellent suitability for neuromorphic devices since there atomic thickness, variety of materials and their combinations, and the electronics structure are ideal for scaled resistive and ferroelectric switching as well as active area for realizing novel transistor concepts.

These concepts can only realize their suitability and potential if they can be implemented appropriately in a circuit. In this project, synaptic functions of 2D based devices should be used to develop novel circuits and systems with intrinsic neuromorphic functionality.

Work environment

You will be working with Prof. Dr.-Ing Thomas Mikolajick and Dr. André Heinzig and will have access to the TU Dresden cleanroom Lab the Joint 2D device Lab of TU Dresden and HZDR. You will be supported by Prof. Dr. Martin Bogdan to define the required device characteristics and receive feedback on the results from a system point of view. Several research stays at the Leipzig University will be included in the project.

The chair of Nanoelectronics at TU Dresden runs a fully equipped state of the art research cleanroom for the fabrication of test structures and test devices. You will have access to the cleanroom, and will be responsible for the key processes used during the work. Just recently the cleanroom equipment was updated in the framework of the project FoRLab DCST. Moreover, the chair runs a new lab setup to process and integrated 2D materials together with the Helmholtz Center Dresden Rossendorf (HZDR) that will be used by the student pursuing this project. Finally, Labs for electrical and structural characterization are available either at the chair or via collaboration partners.

Prerequisites

To conduct this research, you should hold a very good university degree (MSc or an equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, material Science Physics or related disciplines (such as applied natural sciences, electronic and senor materials, nanoelectronics, microsystem technology or other specialized programs in the field). Basic knowledge on semiconductor technology and semiconductor devices is required and first experience in working in a cleanroom as well as characterizing or simulating semiconductor devices are welcome but not absolutely required.

Further details on the requirements and application process can be found in SECAI's announcement for open PhD positions in 2024.