All‐Optical Modulated Bidirectional Responsive Synaptic Devices: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications

Abstract Conventional vision sensors based on the von Neumann architecture suffer from high latency, energy inefficiency, and redundant data transfer, which limit their ability to meet the growing demands of artificial visual perception. Inspired by the human retina, where excitatory and inhibitory signaling pathways cooperate to enhance contrast, suppress noise, and adapt to dynamic environments, all‐optical modulated bidirectional responsive synaptic (AOMBRS) devices have emerged as a promising solution. In this review, recent advances in AOMBRS devices, covering diverse material platforms and their underlying mechanisms, are summarized. Further, emerging applications in optical logic operations, associative learning, neuromorphic computing, and adaptive vision, which demonstrate the promise of AOMBRS devices in bridging biological vision and artificial intelligence, are highlighted. Finally, the critical challenges related to material stability, device performance, and large‐scale integration are discussed, and future opportunities for advancing next‐generation neuromorphic hardware are outlined.