Issue 12, 2023

A retinomorphic neuron for artificial vision and iris accommodation

Abstract

The iris of an eye automatically optimizes the amount of light that strikes the retina by accommodating the intensity of ambient light. Here, we describe a retinomorphic neuron using neuromorphic photoreceptors for artificial vision and iris accommodation that mimics the biological structure and processing functions of retinal neurons for light sensing and signal transduction. The system consists of a neuromorphic photoreceptor, an electrochromic device as a light filter, and a spike-generation unit. In particular, the Au nanoparticle (NP) decorated ITO fiber photoreceptor with a well-aligned array structure is able to rely on its own light-tunable synaptic plasticity and the plasmon-enhanced light absorption. Therefore, it allows real-time feedback about light intensity, emits a higher-frequency electrical stimulus to stronger light, flash, or prolonged light illumination time, and drives the electrochromic filter to work, allowing mild light to pass through. Compared with traditional artificial irises or artificial photoreceptors, our design introduces neural pathways and neuromorphic devices, which are closer to biological functions in simulation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a retinal neuron with neuromorphic photoreceptors has been used for artificial iris vision. Furthermore, we demonstrate direct and consensual pupillary light reflexes. The design of artificial iris vision has potential applications in biomimetic engineering, smart interaction, and visual prostheses.

Graphical abstract: A retinomorphic neuron for artificial vision and iris accommodation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
05 ⵢⵓⵍ 2023
Accepted
20 ⵛⵓⵜ 2023
First published
21 ⵛⵓⵜ 2023

Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5753-5762

A retinomorphic neuron for artificial vision and iris accommodation

L. Sun, S. Qu and W. Xu, Mater. Horiz., 2023, 10, 5753 DOI: 10.1039/D3MH01036H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements