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Brain Inspired Computing: Bridging Device Physics to Real-World Applications
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:18
Abstract
The Lecture offers a thorough understanding of diverse nano-scale brain-inspired devices, covering the foundational physics behind their operation, spanning from classical descriptions to quantum principles. Additionally, it provides an overview of micro/nano-fabrication technologies. The lecture will conclude by exploring real-world applications inspired by the brain's functionality.
Objective
General training in atomic/ionic opto-electronic devices, commonly known as memristors. The students will be equipped with a deep comprehension of theoretical principles and fabrication methods. Participants will gain hands-on experience, reinforcing theoretical knowledge. The curriculum highlights the significance of memristors in various applications, such as communications, digital computing, and neuromorphic computing. This training equips students with insights into the crucial role memristors play in advancing these fields.
Content
The following topics will be addressed: - Comprehensive insight into the physical mechanisms that govern ionic-atomic brain-inspired devices (memristors). - Introduction to the quantum electronic and atomic structure of materials. These physical principles will then be connected to device-level modeling of memristors developed for neuromorphic computing applications. - Micro/nano-fabrication technologies for advanced brain-inspired devices: introduction and examples of devices. The students will have the opportunity to visit Heidelberg Instruments for an overview of cutting-edge lithography tools, featuring a real-time demonstration. - Presentation of real-world applications in digital and neuromorphic computing.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The presentation and the lecture notes will be provided every week.
Literature
“Atomic/Ionic Devices”: • Resistive Switching: From Fundamentals of Nanoionic Redox Processes to Memristive Device Applications, Daniele Ielmini and Rainer Waser, Wiley-VCH • Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, A. Bard and L. Faulkner, John Willey & Sons, Inc. • Molecular Electronics: An Introduction to Theory and Experiment, Elke Scheer and Juan Carlos Cuevas “Micro and nano Fabrication”: • Prof. H. Gatzen, Prof. Volker Saile, Prof. Juerg Leuthold: Micro and Nano Fabrication, Springer
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Brain Inspired Computing: Bridging Device Physics to Real-World Applications |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Brain Inspired Computing: Bridging Device Physics to Real-World Applications |
|
2 h weekly |
| independent project | Brain Inspired Computing: Bridging Device Physics to Real-World Applications | No time listed | 1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Vertiefung: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Vertiefungsfächer (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Fächer der Vertiefung (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category.)
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Empfohlene Fächer (Diese Fächer sind eine Empfehlung. Sie können Fächer aus allen Vertiefungsrichtungen wählen. Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Tutor.)
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Allgemeine Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich zur individuellen Auswahl offen - mit folgenden Einschränkungen: Lehrveranstaltungen aus den ersten beiden Studienjahren eines Bachelor-Curriculums der ETH Zürich sowie Lehrveranstaltungen aus GESS "Wissenschaft im Kontext" sind nicht als allgemeines Wahlfach anrechenbar. Die Dozierenden folgender Lehrveranstaltungen empfehlen sie ausdrücklich den Studierenden der Physik. (Für die Lehrveranstaltungen in dieser Liste können Sie die Kategorie "Allgemeine Wahlfächer" direkt in myStudies zuordnen. Für die Kategoriezuordnung anderer zugelassener Lehrveranstaltungen lassen Sie bei der Prüfungsanmeldung "keine Kategorie" ausgewählt und wenden Sie sich nach dem Verfügen des Prüfungsresultates an das Studiensekretariat ( ).))
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Doktorat Materialwissenschaft (Weitere Informationen unter: )
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