Human brain stimulated by artificial synaptic device

An artificial synaptic device has been developed which can mimic the function of nerve cells and synapses that are responsible for memory in human brains. The research team, led by Director Dr Myoung-Jae Lee from the Intelligent Devices and Systems Research Group at DGIST, included joint research teams led by Professor Gyeong-Su Park from Seoul National University; Professor Sung Kyu Park from Chung-ang University; and Professor Hyunsang Hwang from POSTEC. The teams developed a highly reliable, artificial synaptic device with multiple values by structuring tantalum oxide – a trans-metallic material – into two layers of Ta2O5-x and TaO2-x, and by controlling its surface. This electrical synaptic device stimulates the function of synapses in the brain, as the resistance of the tantalum oxide gradually increases or decreases depending on the strength of the electric signals. It has succeeded in overcoming durability limitations of current devices by allowing current control only on one layer of Ta2O5-x.