Hysteresis and self-oscillations in an artificial memristive quantum neuron

We theoretically study an artificial neuron circuit containing a quantum memristor in the presence of relaxation and dephasing. The charge transport in the quantum element is realized via tunneling of a charge through a quantum particle which shuttles between two terminals—a functionality reminiscent of classical diffusive memristors. We demonstrate that this physical principle enables hysteretic behavior in the current-voltage characteristics of the quantum device. In addition, being used in an artificial neural circuit, the quantum switcher is able to generate self-sustained current oscillations. Our analysis reveals that these self-oscillations are triggered only in quantum regimes with a moderate rate of relaxation, and cannot exist either in a purely coherent regime or at a very high decoherence. We investigate the hysteresis and instability leading to the onset of current self-oscillations and analyze their properties depending on the circuit parameters. Our results provide a generic approach to the use of quantum regimes for controlling hysteresis and generating self-oscillations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024