Recent advances in optoelectronic synapses: from advanced materials to neuromorphic applications

Abstract Inspired by the visual neurons of biological systems, optoelectronic synaptic devices integrate photoresponsive semiconductor materials to convert light into electrical signals, enabling biomimetic visual perception systems. Achieving memory retention and intelligent perceptual functions continues to pose a major hurdle in the advancement of neuromorphic artificial synapse devices. This review begins with an exploration of biological neural synapses, analyzing the fundamental characteristics and structures of biomimetic optoelectronic synapses. It then delves into the design of device and material structures to achieve postsynaptic current and memory behavior, elucidating their underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the latest application scenarios of these devices are summarized, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in their future development. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in optoelectronic synapses, from material innovations to neuromorphic applications, paving the way for next‐generation artificial visual systems and neuromorphic computing.