Circularly Polarized Light-Resolved Artificial Synaptic Transistors Based on Cellulose Nanocrystal Dielectric

Circularly polarized light (CPL)-responsive artificial synaptic devices are of significant interest for advanced neuromorphic visual systems, as they enhance perceptual capabilities and enable the development of novel applications. Nevertheless, progress in this field is hindered by the lack of suitable CPL-active organic semiconductor materials. In this study, environmentally friendly cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with a chiral helical structure as a dielectric layer to realize CPL-resolved behaviors in organic synaptic transistors are utilized. The device exhibits a much stronger response to right-handed CPL (RCPL) than to left-handed CPL (LCPL) because the left-handed helical structure of CNCs reflects LCPL while transmitting RCPL. By modulating electrical and CPL optical signals, the device successfully simulates multiple synaptic activities, including electrical synaptic plasticity, CPL-dependent optical synaptic plasticity, and brain-like learning and memory behavior controlled by photoelectric cooperative stimulation. Additionally, the device demonstrates applications in blue-light-induced visual fatigue simulation, CPL recognition, and optical wireless encrypted communication. Importantly, the sensitivity of the device to CPL is not constrained by the properties of organic semiconductor materials. These findings offer a promising strategy for the development of advanced artificial synaptic devices and CPL-resolved neuromorphic visual systems.