Freestanding Dual-Gate Oxide-Based Neuromorphic Transistors for Flexible Artificial Nociceptors

A nociceptor is a type of sensory receptor with the ability to perceive noxious stimuli, which is very important for the survival and health of organisms. Several neuromorphic devices have been proposed to emulate this sensory receptor. The basic pain perception functions of a nociceptor can be emulated. However, those artificial nociceptors lack functional tunability and intelligent adaptability. Here, freestanding oxide-based neuromorphic transistors with dual-gate structures were fabricated on proton-conducting electrolyte membranes and used for flexible artificial nociceptor emulation. Such a freestanding biomimetic device can not only capture the pain perception functions to peripheral inputs. What is more, the modulation of pain sensitivity can be emulated in this device by the voltage applied on the second gate electrode. Our artificial nociceptors open a new avenue in the design of an artificial sensory system with sensory alarm function and intelligent adaptability.