Scientists are investigating how certain chemical compounds could form a bridge between traditional electronics and brain function. Such a breakthrough could revolutionize our conception of computers by bringing them closer to the principles of living organisms.
A team from the Indian Institute of Science has taken a significant step in this direction. They have developed molecular devices capable of altering their electronic role based on the stimuli they receive. A researcher involved explains that this ability to adapt remains rare among conventional electronic materials. In this work, chemistry and computing meet directly, which opens the door to new functionalities.
Experimental configuration of an adaptable molecular device.
Credit: CeNSE, IISc
This flexibility comes directly from the chemistry employed. The researchers synthesized ruthenium complexes, where slight alterations in shape or the ionic environment change the behavior of electrons, enabling their use in electronics. By adjusting the molecules, a single device can produce distinct responses.
The adaptability of these molecules allows memory and computation to be merged within a single material. This opens the perspective for neuromorphic hardware where learning is directly inscribed in matter. One could thus imagine artificial intelligence chips that are less energy-intensive and endowed with a form of intrinsic intelligence.
The researchers are now working to integrate these materials onto silicon chips. The ambition is to develop future computing systems that are directly inspired by the brain. As a co-author points out, chemistry here takes on the role of the architect of computation, and is not limited to that of a simple supplier.