Light‐Stimulatable Molecules/Nanoparticles Networks for Switchable Logical Functions and Reservoir Computing. (6th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viero, Yannick; Guérin, David; Vladyka, Anton; Alibart, Fabien; Lenfant, Stéphane; Calame, M.; Vuillaume, Dominique
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 28:Number 39(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-08-06
• Subjects: molecular devices -- molecular switches -- nanoparticles -- reconfigurable circuits -- reservoir computing; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201801506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: The fabrication and electron transport properties of nanoparticles self‐assembled networks (NPSAN) of molecular switches (azobenzene derivatives) interconnected by Au nanoparticles are reported, and optically driven switchable logical operations associated to the light‐controlled switching of the molecules are demonstrated. The switching yield is up to 74%. It is also demonstrated that these NPSANs are prone to light‐stimulable reservoir computing. The complex nonlinearity of electron transport and dynamics in these highly connected and recurrent networks of molecular junctions exhibits rich high harmonics generation (HHG) required for reservoir computing approaches. Logical functions and HHG are controlled by the isomerization of the molecules upon light illumination. These results, without direct analogs in semiconductor devices, open new perspectives to molecular electronics in unconventional computing. Abstract : A network of gold nanoparticles functionalized by optically driven molecular switches and connected in their periphery by six‐terminal electrodes exhibit both optically driven switchable logical operations and strongly nonlinear electron transport and dynamical behaviors required for reservoir computing. The use of graphene electrodes provides smoother contact edges and results in a better performance of the devices.