Artificial Neuron Based on Electrical Anisotropy from WSe₂ Field Effect Transistors

Neuromorphic systems have been recognized as potential computational platforms for overcoming the von Neumann architecture, where neurons are the basic units for neuromorphic computing. However, artificial neurons of two-dimensional materials suffered from limited stability and complex architecture. In this work, a multi-terminal neural device was constructed based on the electrical anisotropic properties of WSe₂. Axon-multisynaptic performance with modulating plasticity was realized successfully by a stable six-terminal WSe₂ field effect transistor. And dendritic functionality with optoelectronic synergy was obtained, showcasing the functional integrity of this neural device. Recognition accuracy of handwritten digits was obtained to 97% based on the synaptic weight of an artificial neuron. Additionally, gesture control of a robot manipulator was achieved with anisotropic synaptic responses from a WSe₂ sample. These findings not only provide novel material platforms and circuit design solutions for constructing artificial neural networks but also mark a significant advancement in the development of neuromorphic electronics capable of processing complex signals.