Short-range Order Materials for Neuromorphic Electronic and Biosensing Devices
Abstract
This capacity building project will provide unique infrastructure, research collaborations and interdisciplinary training in the District of Columbia for theoretical investigation and experimental demonstration of short-range order effects in high quality materials for neuromorphic electronic and photonic devices. The overarching focus is on novel computing electronic-photonic hardware for machine learning. While such systems promise to meet the small size-weight and ultra-low power requirements for training and inference of large neural network models, challenges in low yield, uniformity and scalability prevent these emerging electronic and photonic devices from system-level adoption. This capacity building project aims to address these issues by developing electronic and photonic neuromorphic devices based on novel materials driven by short-range order and strengthen District of Columbia (DC)’s position as an innovation leader in energy efficient neuromorphic systems. The research tasks will be on new short-range materials for synaptic electronic devices and photonic systems, to efficiently accelerate neural network workloads. This proposal includes the acquisition of a unique reactive sputtering system for on-axis and off-axis deposition of high-quality films. Theoretically-driven material discovery and device development will be done in conjunction with the state-of-the-art processing tools available at the George Washington University’s Nanofabrication and Imaging Center. This approach will enable high-yield and lab-to-fab-ready technological innovations for a variety of devices. The goal is to create a hub on material-device co-design for neuromorphic systems and formalize a long-term strategic vision for innovation in electronic-photonic technologies. The team includes faculty investigators across GW and other universities in the District of Columbia (Georgetown University, Howard University, Gallaudet University and Catholic University of America) whose research and training will benefit from the enhanced capacity. Staff from the GW Nanofabrication and Imaging Center will support the equipment installation and maintenance. An External Advisory Board with experts from DoD labs and industry will provide advice and guidance to strengthen collaborations and knowledge transfer. Training and outreach, in particular of students from underrepresented groups, will be done via accessible course modules, innovative virtual reality cleanroom simulations and hands-on training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310497
Entities
People
- Pamela M. Norris
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- George Washington University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense