Nanoseminar in Physics

LAST MINUTE NOTICE: ONLINE EVENT - REGISTER HERE to attend

Speaker: Prof. Beatriz Noheda, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials & Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials center (CogniGron), University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract: Although neuromorphic computing concepts have been put forward half a century ago, the urgency for low power solutions that can handle big data efficiently, is a recent development. So far cognitive/brain-inspired computing is the only paradigm that can foresee energy savings of several orders of magnitude. However, to get there requires a huge multidisciplinary effort and a holistic approach that starts with the use of materials with intrinsic plasticity. Here I will highlight how the latest progress in materials science can offer promising alternatives for future cognitive devices giving examples from the research of my own group. In particular, I will present work on memristive devices with transition metal oxides, such as nickelates and manganites, as well as with novel nanoscale ferroelectrics based on HfO2.

Biography: Noheda received her PhD in Physics in 1996 from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. After various stays and positions at the University of Saarlandes, Clarendon Laboratory in Oxford, Brookhaven National Lab in New York and the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, in 2003 she was awarded a Rosalind Franklin Fellowship by the University of Groningen, where she is now Full Professor. Noheda is a Fellow of the American Physical Society since 2011 and has received the IEEE-Robert E. Newnham Ferroelectrics award for her research on ferroelectric and multiferroic materials. She has served in numerous committees and several editorial boards. Currently Noheda is he founding director of the Groningen Center for Cognitive Systems and Materials (CogniGron). Noheda’s research focuses on understanding the relationship between structure and functionality of thin films of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, multiferroic, and lately also memristive materials, the control of nano-domains that self-assemble by strain engineering, as well as the characterization of the distinct properties of domain walls. Although her research is fundamental in nature, it is inspired by two main application areas that she believes will enable the next technological revolution: piezoelectric energy harvesting for low power electronics and the development of novel materials for neuromorphic computing.

Introductory Talk: Antiferroelectrics as potential neuromorphic elements by Dr Umair Saeed, Doctoral Student at Oxide Nanophysics and Nanomaterials Growth Unit at ICN2.

Hosted by Dr David Pesquera, Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at Oxide Nanophysics Group at ICN2