Prem (S.N.) Piramanayagam

Neuromorphic computing or brain-inspired computing is considered as a potential solution to overcome the energy inefficiency of the von Neumann architecture for artificial intelligence applications. To realize spin-based neuromorphic computing practically, it is essential to design and fabricate electronic analogues of neurons and synapses. An electronic analogue of a synaptic device should provide multiple resistance states. A neuron device should receive multiple inputs and should provide a pulse output when the summation of the multiple inputs exceeds a threshold.

Our group has been carrying out investigations on the design and development of various synaptic and neuron devices in our laboratory. Domain wall (DW) devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), where the DW can be moved by spin-orbit torque, are suitable candidates for the fabrication of synaptic and neuron devices. Spin-orbit torque helps in achieving DW motion at low energies whereas the use of MTJs helps in translating DW position information into resistance levels (or voltage pulses). This talk will summarize various designs of synthetic neurons synaptic elements and materials. The first half of the talk will be at an introductory level, aimed at first-year graduate students. The second half will provide details of the latest research.

Biography:

Prof. Prem S.N. Piramanayagam has an experience of 30 years in the field of magnetism with research topics ranging from amorphous magnetic alloy, permanent magnetic materials to thin films and nanostructures for recording and spintronics applications. His current interest lies in the inter-dsciplinary areas of magnetism, electronics and nanotechnology. His research aims to gain understanding and solve issues related to areas such as Spintronics, Magnetic Recording and neuromorphic computing. He has recently secured a multi-million dollar grant for research on Spin-based Neuromorphic Computing.

S.N. Piramanayagam obtained his Bachelor's degree from Madurai Kamaraj University, India in 1985, Masters degree in Physics from University of Kerala, Trivandrum, India and PhD from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India (1994). After his PhD, he carried out further research at Shinshu University, Japan (from 1995-1999).

S.N. Piramanayagam is a senior member of IEEE. He serves as an editor of IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, as an editorial board member of Scientific reports (Nature publishing Group) and Physica Status Solidi-RRL. He has served as the chair of IEEE Magnetics Society Technical Committee and he is an elected member of AdCom of IEEE Magnetics Society. He has about 200 publications in ISI journals, filed several patents and edited a book titled "Developments in Data Storage: Materials Perspective". Ten PhD students and several FYP and Masters students have graduated under his supervision. Prior to joining NTU, he worked in Data Storage Institute, Singapore (A*STAR).

Address:anyang Technological University, , Jurong, Singapore