Lorentzian Switching Dynamics in HZO-Based FeMEMS Synapses for Neuromorphic Weight Storage

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Authors: Shubham Jadhav, Kaustav Roy, Luis R. Amaro, Thejas Basavarajappa, Madhav Ramesh, Saif Siddique, Judy J. Cha, Debdeep Jena, Huili Grace Xing, Amit Lal
Cited by: 0
References: 60

Abstract

Neuromorphic computing demands synaptic elements that store and update analogue weights with high precision while minimizing read disturbance. Conventional ferroelectric synapses typically encode weights in remanent polarization states and infer them from polarization-dependent electrical characteristics. Here, we demonstrate a ferroelectric MEMS (FeMEMS) synapse in which analog weights are stored in the effective piezoelectric coefficient d 31,eff of a released unimorph beam with a 20 nm HZO layer. Partial domain switching modulates d 31,eff, and a low-amplitude AC drive under subcoercive conditions converts the programmed state into beam displacement proportional to d 31,eff V ac, realizing single-device analogue multiplication during readout. The switching-threshold distribution follows a Lorentzian form, and the median threshold obeys a Merz-type field-time law. Using this framework, we demonstrate ∼200 electromechanical weight levels. We further show representative retention and endurance, establishing a compact FeMEMS synaptic weight element for calibration-aware electromechanical multiplication in neuromorphic hardware.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ferroelectric and Negative Capacitance Devices Advanced Memory and Neural Computing Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Nano Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
26
Issue
16
Pages
5379–5389
Publication date
16 April 2026
Language
EN