Self-organized atomic switch networks

The spontaneous emergence of complex behavior in dynamical systems occurs through the collective interaction of nonlinear elements toward a highly correlated, non-equilibrium critical state. Criticality has been proposed as a model for understanding complexity in systems whose behavior can be approximated as a state lying somewhere between order and chaos. Here we present unique, purpose-built devices, known as atomic switch networks (ASN), specifically designed to generate the class of emergent properties which underlie critical dynamics in complex systems. The network is an open, dissipative system comprised of highly interconnected (∼10 9 /cm 2 ) atomic switch interfaces wired through the spontaneous electroless deposition of metallic silver fractal architectures. The functional topology of ASN architectures self-organizes to produce persistent critical dynamics without fine-tuning, indicating a capacity for memory and learning via persistent critical states toward potential utility in real-time, neuromorphic computation.