Ultrafast Multilevel Switching and Synaptic Behavior in a Planar Quantum Topological Memristor

Abstract

The rapid increase in data driven by analytics and Internet of Things demands innovation in both device architecture and materials to meet the growing need for fast and efficient computing. Here we report an ultrafast planar quantum topological memristor (PQTM), comprised of bismuth-telluride (Bi2Te3) thin film transferred onto pre-patterned electrodes. Owing to the planar architecture, the device connects both electrodes to the surface states of Bi2Te3, offering a platform to directly benefit from the characteristic features of topological surface states, such as low-dissipation and scattering-resistant channels essential for ultrafast- and efficient-charge transport. Pertinently, PQTM presents a forming-free bipolar-resistive switching behavior with an ultrafast-switching similar to 15 +/- 5 ns and low-energy consumption similar to 14.5 nJ, which is a record high among the topological insulator-based memristors. Moreover, the endurance evaluation over 103 consecutive DC-switching cycles demonstrates superior stability in both high and low resistive states, while the retention tests display an excellent longevity of similar to 105 s, signifying reliable non-volatile operation. Finally, PQTM reproducibility is established via comparison with 24 other devices, presenting multilevel resistive switching exhibiting both digital and analog switching modes together with long-term potentiation, depression, and persistent image-recognition performance, corroborated via 1D-convolutional layers with four LeNet models. Thus, our work emphasizes the critical role of device architecture in harnessing material properties for advanced-memory and neuromorphic applications.