In a study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers revealed that nanosecond electrical pulses modulate charge density waves in two steps, which can be used to mimic neuron-like activation and firing for artificial neural networks.
(Left) Electron diffraction shows a star-shaped spot pattern associated with charge density waves (CDW).
(Right) Ultrafast electron microscopy tracks CDW disordering by 20 nanosecond electrical pulses, revealing initial electrical melting followed by resonant strain modulation.
(Right) Ultrafast electron microscopy tracks CDW disordering by 20 nanosecond electrical pulses, revealing initial electrical melting followed by resonant strain modulation.
Scientific Achievement
Using ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM), revealed that nanosecond electrical pulses modulate charge density waves in two steps: First by resistive heating, followed by induced resonant straining.
Significance and Impact
- Developed the first voltage triggered UEM capability: enables imaging transient effects in electronic devices.
- Observed dynamic responses could be used to mimic neuron-like activation and firing for neural networks.
Research Details
- A TaS2 flake with a charge density wave (CDW) at room temperature was prepared across a pair of electrodes.
- ns-resolution movies during voltage pulsing were recorded using a unique ultrafast electron microscope at Argonne.
- Diffraction tracking shows fast CDW melting within the pulse (≈ 20 ns) followed by an unexpected oscillation.