MEMWerk

The aim of the proposed project is the comprehensive research of memristic materials for neuromorphic electronics, i.e. for new systems inspired by biology and extremely energy-efficient, in which memristic materials act as a central component of the hardware. Memristive materials have a memory effect and allow the realization of devices whose function is similar to that of synapses in many respects. With these memristive components, neuromorphic systems can be created that technically replicate the biological paradigms of information processing (learning and memory formation) more precisely than ever before and offer a completely new hardware basis for information technology. 
The project focuses on the parameter-oriented development of memristic materials. The planned closely coordinated experimental and theoretical work ranges from the synthesis of memristic materials, the production and modeling of devices made of these materials, the comprehensive material analysis and device characterization and the design of neural network topologies to the realization of neuromorphic circuits. An extremely important aspect of the project is the development of a mapping system for memristive materials by means of concepts of digitalization, which relates the material parameters (material properties) and the process parameters (technological parameters of material synthesis and device manufacturing) directly to the characteristics and performance parameters of memristive devices and neuromorphic circuits made of these materials. This makes it possible to tailor materials for neuromorphic systems. The project thus builds a bridge between the material and its application and sets the basic material, process and technology parameters in direct relation to the functionality of the material in neuromorphic systems.