Possibility of information encoding/decoding using the memory effect in fractional-order capacitive devices

In this study, we show that the discharge voltage pattern of a supercapacitor exhibiting fractionalorder behavior from the same initial steady-state voltage into a constant resistor is dependent on the past charging voltage profile. The charging voltage was designed to follow a power-law function, i.e. v c (t) = V cc (t/ t ss)p ( 0 < t <= t ss), in which t ss (charging time duration between zero voltage to the terminal voltage V cc) and p ( 0 < p < 1) act as two variable parameters. We used this historydependence of the dynamic behavior of the device to uniquely retrieve information pre-coded in the charging waveform pattern. Furthermore, we provide an analytical model based on fractional calculus that explains phenomenologically the information storage mechanism. The use of this intrinsic material memory effect may lead to new types of methods for information storage and retrieval.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that the discharge voltage pattern of a supercapacitor with fractional-order behavior is influenced by the past charging voltage profile. By utilizing the history-dependence of the device's dynamic behavior, information pre-coded in the charging waveform pattern can be uniquely retrieved, with an analytical model based on fractional calculus explaining the information storage mechanism. The intrinsic material memory effect could potentially lead to new methods for information storage and retrieval.