Arithmetic and Biologically-Inspired Computing Using Phase-Change Materials

摘要

Computers in which processing and memory functions are performed simultaneously and at the same location have long been a scientific "dream", since they promise dramatic improve ments in performance along with the opportunity to design and build 'brain-like' systems.[1-3] This "dream" has moved a step closer following recent investigations of so-called memristor (memory resistor) devices.[4-8] However, phase-change mate rials also offer a promising route to the practical realisation of new forms of general-purpose and biologically-inspired com puting.[9-11] Here we provide, for the first time, an experimental proof-of-principle of such a phase-change material-based "proc essor".