VIPER 2D: Vertically Integrated Photocells based on Echeloned Responsivities in Two-Dimensional (2D) Heterostructures
Abstract
This proposal addresses an extraordinary paradox in biology, and along-standing problem in biophysical systems research: How do complex biosystems, such as the optic tectum in snakes, sense and process visual stimulus with incredibly low light levels, combining multiple inputs (both visible and infrared), and in remarkably short periods of time? To address this question - which lies at the interface of neuroscience, nanotechnology andbiological light-sensors - we will extend upon our hypothesis that light-sensing biosystems have evolved to take a general strategy: light from noisy sources is absorbed into a network in which the absorbing properties (number of channels, wavelength, etc.) have been tuned to reduce the noise into a stable form. Such light-sensing networks are capable of measuring the noise contrastin the spectral or spatial domain. This is of particular relevance to vision, since measuring contrast is the most efficient method of image reconstruction.The major aims of this proposal leverage the synergy of theoretical and experimental strengths already established in the Gabor Lab to explore challenging problems in fundamentally new ways. We aim to (I) examine fundamental noise properties of an artificial neural network model to understand how biosystems maintain high fidelity signals with extremely noisy lightinputs, (II) advance the fabrication and characterization of heterostructure optoelectronic devices composed of the ultrathin light-sensing materials graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDs) films, which mimic temperature sensing nerve cells in vipers, and (III) integrate VIPER2D into elementary bio-inspired networks.The research objectives are ambitious, combining insights from nanoscale optoelectronics to probe elementary mechanisms leading to efficient integration of visible and infrared stimulus.The key to revolutionary outcomes will be the synergy between quantitative modeling of biological neural networks and direct realization of emergent function in bio-inspired light sensing networks. No current field of research utilizes the synergistic approaches here, and theoutcomes of our experiments may challenge the paradigms of light sensing in biosystems. In alignment with the ONR~s strategy for gaining competitive advantage, this proposal - VIPER 2D - aims to establish a deep understanding of fast and highly sensitive neuro-inspired sensing and imaging, yet also promises rapid future advancement of DoD capabilities in multi-spectrum andmulti-domain imaging based on advanced component technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912574
Entities
People
- Nathaniel M Gabor
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California Regents