Lancaster University is leading a £2.1M project with Cambridge and Durham which aims to revolutionise the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and computing.
The Memristive Organometallic Devices formed from Self-Assembled Multilayers (MemOD) programme brings together world leading experts in molecular scale electronics, chemical synthesis, quantum transport, and device fabrication to develop the next generation of computers.
The project is led by Lancaster's Director of Materials Science Professor Benjamin Robinson with Professor Chris Ford from the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, Professor Martin Bryce from the University of Durham and Lancaster Professor Colin Lambert, who was recently awarded the Institute of Physics Mott Medal and Prize for his work in molecular scale electronics.
MemOD aims to develop high-performance memory devices using self-assembled molecular technology. By leveraging quantum effects at the molecular level, MemOD aims to deliver memory devices that are faster, more stable, and more energy-efficient than current options, all of which are required if computing hardware is to keep up with the growing demands of AI use in all aspects of our lives.
Professor Robinson said: "The MemOD project represents a paradigm shift in computing technology. By leveraging ordered molecular multilayers, we are unlocking new possibilities for high-performance, energy-efficient AI and neuromorphic computing. This research has the potential to transform the future of AI hardware while supporting global sustainability efforts."
Memristive devices or memristors (short for "memory resistors") are a type of nanodevice which enables in-memory computation, overcoming a fundamental limitation of current computers. This is the constant transfer of data between memory and processing units, known as the von Neumann bottleneck, which is slow and consumes substantial amounts of energy.
In-memory computing eliminates this bottleneck by integrating memory and processing functions together in the same way that the human brain relies on neurons and synapses for both storage and computation.
Memristive devices mimic brain synapses due to their low power consumption, high integration density, and the ability to simulate synaptic plasticity with an artificial neural network. Unlike traditional memory technologies, memristors are non-volatile meaning that they retain data even when powered off, reducing energy waste, and increasing processing speed.
However, conventional memristor technology has challenges, including variability and signal degradation over time. MemOD aims to overcome these challenges by introducing highly ordered, sequentially self-assembled multilayers of organometallic molecules. These new structures allow for precise control over performance, making them more reliable and scalable for large-scale AI applications.
MemOD's industry partner is the Lancaster University spinout firm Quantum Base whose co-founder and Chief Scientist Professor Robert Young said: "The MemOD proposal aims to realise new nanostructured memristor devices made of ordered films of organometallic molecules, which utilise quantum interference effects at room temperature.
"I am confident the MemOD team is uniquely placed to realise this ambition. The project strongly aligns with Quantum Base's core goals, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the consortium to aid with developing and potentially commercialising technologies that may emerge from this project."
The interdisciplinary Materials Science research centre at Lancaster aims to develop novel molecular materials for a range of applications with an emphasis on molecular electronics, green energy materials, digital chemistry, quantum electronic sensors, and novel molecular synthesis.
The centre's research is leading activity in organic thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery, low power memristive devices for neuromorphic computing and AI, small atom cluster ultra-efficient catalysts, amorphous porous materials for batteries and gas storage, quantum transport and on-chip atomic clocks, organic electronic materials, and organic synthesis and materials design.
