Dynamically Reconfigurable Cryogenic Spiking Neuron based on Superconducting Memristor

We propose an artificial neuron topology that can be electronically reconfigured and dynamically tuned to alter its spiking rate (
$f_{SPIKE}$
). Our design employs two interacting cryogenic oscillators, both comprising a superconducting nanowire (ScNW) and a superconducting memristor (ScM). The two ScMs can be programmed into two resistive states through controlled current flow, collectively leading to four resistive combinations. The proposed neuron exhibits major changes in its
$f_{SPIKE}$
depending on the states of the ScM pair. Moreover, the spike rates can be further tuned by invoking gradual changes in the external bias current. To facilitate dynamic and independent programming of the ScMs, we employ a heater cryotron that selectively channels the bias current through the ScMs. We demonstrate (through simulations) minimum and maximum
$f_{SPIKE}$
of ∼750 KHz and ∼2.5 MHz, respectively. We observe two distinct spike amplitudes (
$\sim 1\ \mu \mathrm{V}$
and
$\sim 1.8\ \mu \mathrm{V}$
) in the neuronal oscillations. The proposed neuron consumes (estimated) ∼10 atto-Joule per spike (without considering the cooling energy).