Hardware-intrinsic encrypted imaging and neuromorphic computing enabled by bias-reconfigurable AlScN/GaN heterojunction ultraviolet photodetector
Huazhen Sun, Leyang Qian, Xuekun Hong, Bingjie Ye, Anqi Qiang, Yushen Liu, И. Н. Пархоменко, Ф. Ф. Комаров, Jin Wang, Junjun Xue, Xinyi Shan, Guofeng Yang
Abstract
Developing multifunctional devices capable of on-demand task switching is crucial for highly integrated intelligent systems. We introduce a multifunctional ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) based on an AlScN/GaN heterojunction, featuring dynamically reconfigurable operating modes via bias voltages. At low bias voltages, it functions as a fast and highly sensitive UV PD (the specific detectivity reaching 9.37×1012 Jones), applied in high-speed imaging and optical communication. Interestingly, at higher bias voltages, the device exhibits a persistent photoconductivity effect. This behavior enables the effective emulation of biological synaptic plasticity, including key functions such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, and the transition from short-term memory to long-term memory. Leveraging this unique bias-controlled characteristic, we introduce a hardware-intrinsic encrypted optical imaging scheme by ingeniously combining the device’s distinct fast and slow photoresponse dynamics. Secure image access is achieved by employing a combination of synchronized optical inputs and dynamic biasing protocols as security keys. We demonstrate a single AlScN/GaN optoelectronic device platform for achieving reconfigurable multifunctionality and hardware-level encrypted imaging, holding significant potential for neuromorphic computing and highly secure information systems.