Anomalous Phase Change in SbSe <i> <sub>x</sub> </i> Memristors for Ultrafast Image Encryption

G Guangdong Zhou D Dengshun Gu (College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China) J Jin Ye (Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University) B Bai Sun (Frontier Institute of Science and Technology Interdisciplinary Research Center of Frontier science and technology State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures Engineering Research Center of Key Materials for Efficient Utilization of Clean Energy of Shaanxi Province Xi'an Key Laboratory of Electronic Devices and Material Chemistry Institute of New Concept Sensors and Molecular Materials Shaanxi Key Laboratory of New Conceptual Sensors and Molecular Materials Xi'an...) H Hang Shi H Haofeng Ran (College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China) M Musha Ji'e (College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China) X Xiaofang Hu (Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors, College of Artificial Intelligence, Southwest University 2 , Chongqing,) L Lidan Wang S Shukai Duan (College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐Inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing China) H Haifeng Ling

Abstract

Abstract Complex electrical nonlinearity process in neurons is believed to be the origin of high‐level cognition, highly desired for an electronic device with rich dynamics. Here, an anomalous phase transition in the semiconducting SbSe x thin film is observed in situ, which includes not only the conventional phase transition process (amorphous to crystalline) but also involves the Sb metallic nucleus growth that has never been observed before. Theoretical simulation results show that when Sb or Se vacancies are introduced into the SbSe x , Joule heat will accumulate near the vacancy centers, causing an anomalous phase transition in a localized region, thereby giving the defective memristor a unique N‐shape negative differential resistance (NDR) effect. These rich nonlinear electric switching dynamics provide a chaotic system for ultra‐fast image encryption that is at least two orders of magnitude faster than current techniques. This work builds a novel theory horizon as well as extends brand‐new application area of phase change electronics.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 37, Issue 42
Published October 01, 2025
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (11)

G

Guangdong Zhou

D

Dengshun Gu

College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China

J

Jin Ye

Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University

B

Bai Sun

Frontier Institute of Science and Technology Interdisciplinary Research Center of Frontier science and technology State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures Engineering Research Center of Key Materials for Efficient Utilization of Clean Energy of Shaanxi Province Xi'an Key Laboratory of Electronic Devices and Material Chemistry Institute of New Concept Sensors and Molecular Materials Shaanxi Key Laboratory of New Conceptual Sensors and Molecular Materials Xi'an...

H

Hang Shi

H

Haofeng Ran

College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China

M

Musha Ji'e

College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China

X

Xiaofang Hu

Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors, College of Artificial Intelligence, Southwest University 2 , Chongqing,

L

Lidan Wang

S

Shukai Duan

College of Artificial Intelligence Chongqing Key Laboratory of Brain‐Inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensors (Ministry of Education) Southwest University Chongqing China

H

Haifeng Ling