Prof Jin-hong Park’s Co-research Team, Develops an Artificial Synapse Using ‘Vertical Ion-Gel Transistor’

The National Research Foundation of Korea said that the co-research team led by led by Prof. Jin-hong Park of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at SKKU and Prof. Jeong-ho Jo of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Yonsei University developed an artificial synapse using ‘vertical ion-gel transistor’ on September 17 (Thur). Their study result was published in Nature Communications on September 14 (Mon).

There are 100 billion neurons in the human brain and 100 trillion synapses that connect them. Neuromorphic chip, which mimics brain function has been artificially implementing neurons, but it has not properly implemented synapses. Because synapses are responsible for various functions, such as strengthening and weakening, as well as transmitting signals, synapses need to be implemented in order to improve performance of neuromorphic chips.

The research team created a transistor with a three-dimensional vertical structure using ion-gel, a solid substance that passes electricity. Through this process, it has implemented synaptic functions such as making circuits simpler than conventional two-dimensional transistors and controlling details of current.

The research team has confirmed that the synaptic device made like this is suitable for applying to neuromorphic computing, with a high pattern recognition rate. The team expects that “Because it can be manufactured on flexible substrates, they can be used in various AI systems. Additionally, it can be used in the medical field, such as replacing the nerves of patients with impaired nerves.”

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