Issue 11, 2024

Emulation of neuron and synaptic functions in spin–orbit torque domain wall devices

Abstract

Neuromorphic computing (NC) architecture has shown its suitability for energy-efficient computation. Amongst several systems, spin–orbit torque (SOT) based domain wall (DW) devices are one of the most energy-efficient contenders for NC. To realize spin-based NC architecture, the computing elements such as synthetic neurons and synapses need to be developed. However, there are very few experimental investigations on DW neurons and synapses. The present study demonstrates the energy-efficient operations of neurons and synapses by using novel reading and writing strategies. We have used a W/CoFeB-based energy-efficient SOT mechanism to drive the DWs at low current densities. We have used the concept of meander devices for achieving synaptic functions. By doing this, we have achieved 9 different resistive states in experiments. We have experimentally demonstrated the functional spike and step neurons. Additionally, we have engineered the anomalous Hall bars by incorporating several pairs, in comparison to conventional Hall crosses, to increase the sensitivity as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We have performed micromagnetic simulations and transport measurements to demonstrate the above-mentioned functionalities.

Graphical abstract: Emulation of neuron and synaptic functions in spin–orbit torque domain wall devices

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
25 sep 2023
Accepted
02 aug 2024
First published
06 aug 2024

Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1962-1977

Emulation of neuron and synaptic functions in spin–orbit torque domain wall devices

D. Kumar, R. Maddu, H. J. Chung, H. Rahaman, T. Jin, S. Bhatti, S. Ter Lim, R. Sbiaa and S. N. Piramanayagam, Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1962 DOI: 10.1039/D3NH00423F

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