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Brain Inspired Computing: Bridging Device Physics to Real-World Applications
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:17
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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Track: 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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Specialization Courses (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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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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