Neuron Inspired Computers

A new generation of neuron inspired computers is now a possibility as a team of French-based scientists have developed a compound that works inside the transistors in a manner similar to a synapse between neurons. The research was recently published in the January 22, 2010 issue of the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

The organic transistor, equipped with a chemical compound called pentacene and gold nanoparticles, also known as NOMFET (Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field-Effect Transistor), can imitate the biological functions of a nervous system.

Transistors are typically used in electronic circuits as a switch to either transmit or not transmit a simple signal. According to the scientific researchers, the gold nanoparticles combined with pentacene coating yield a memory effect and are able to “mimic the way a synapse works during the transmission of action potentials between two neurons.”

As a result the electronic component becomes an evolving factor in the system it is placed. From the research, neuron inspired computers with this technology will be able to mimic the activity of a human brain and complete more complex functions than silicone-based machines such as visual recognition.

Image "Life Ray" by Wonderland courtesy of Creative Commons on Flickr.