Generation of Tunable Stochastic Sequences Using the Insulator-Metal Transition

Probabilistic computing is a paradigm in which data are not represented by stable bits, but rather by the probability of a metastable bit to be in a particular state. The development of this technology has been hindered by the availability of hardware capable of generating stochastic and tunable sequences of 1s and 0s. The options are currently limited to complex CMOS circuitry and, recently, magnetic tunnel junctions. Here, we demonstrate that metal-insulator transitions can also be used for this purpose. We use an electrical pump/probe protocol and take advantage of the stochastic relaxation dynamics in VO2 to induce random metallization events. A simple latch circuit converts the metallization sequence into a random stream of is and Os. The resetting pulse in between probes decorrelates successive events, providing a true stochastic digital sequence.

Automated summary

Probabilistic computing is a paradigm that represents data using the probability of a metastable bit being in a certain state. This technology has previously been limited by available hardware, but this study shows that metal-insulator transitions can also generate random sequences. By using an electrical pump/probe protocol and a simple latch circuit, a random stream of 1s and 0s can be obtained.