The goal of our research is to explore and build the next-generation hardware based on post-CMOS emerging devices, e.g. memristors. From top-down, we examine the existing algorithms (like Transformers) and determine the most crucial task to accelerate with our hardware. Examples include but not limited to matrix multiplication in A.I./machine learning tasks. In the meanwhile, we optimize and characterize the device performance, including their nonlinear dynamics, and build novel circuit/architecture/algorithm from bottom up.
The followings are example topics. If you are interested in joining us (as research postgraduate (e.g. Ph.D., MPhil.,) students, research assistant, postdoc) and would like to know about ongoing topics, please feel free to contact me at canl@hku.hk.
1. CMOS compatible novel devices and their integration/nanofabrication
We explore novel devices such as memristors (RRAM), atomically thin two-dimensional materials (like MoS2), and other novel device concepts, to build next-generation memory and computing devices with superior energy efficiency and scaling potential.
References:
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[Nature Nanotechnology], 2025
G. Gao, B. Wen, et al., Sb-contacted MoS2 flash memory for analogue in-memory searches. -
[IEDM], 2025
R. Qiu, G. Gao, et al., Monolithic 3D Integration of MoS2 eDRAM and RRAM for Analog In-Memory Attention Computing. -
[Nature Electronics], 2020
P. Lin, C. Li, et al., Three-dimensional memristor circuits as complex neural networks. Preview PDF -
[Nature Nanotechnology], 2019
S. Pi, C. Li, et al., Memristor crossbar arrays with 6-nm half-pitch and 2-nm critical dimension. Preview PDF -
[Nature Communications], 2017
C. Li, et al., Three-Dimensional Crossbar Arrays of Self-rectifying Si/SiO2/Si Memristors. Open Access PDF
2. Novel applications and their co-design.
Beyond standard AI, we develop hardware-software co-designs for specialized domain applications, such as real-time genomic analysis and solving hard optimization problems.
References:
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[Nature Computational Science], 2025
P. He, … C. Li, Real-time raw signal genomic analysis using fully integrated memristor hardware. -
[IEDM], 2024
K. Shan, M. Jiang, … C. Li, One-Step Combinatorial Optimization Solver with Fully Integrated Analog Memristors and Annealing Module. -
[Nature Communications], 2023
M. Jiang, K. Shan, C. He, C. Li, Efficient combinatorial optimization by quantum-inspired parallel annealing in analogue memristor crossbar. Open Access PDF -
[IEDM], 2022
M. Jiang, K. Shan,… C. Li, An efficient synchronous-updating memristor-based Ising solver for combinatorial optimization. PDF -
[Nature Communications], 2020
C. Li, et al., Analog content addressable memories with memristors. (Presented at HPE internal TechCon 2020 as “Analog content addressable memory for explainable and efficient machine learning”. (acceptance rate of 4.38%)) Open Access PDF -
[Nature Electronics], 2018
C. Li, et al., Analog signal and image processing with large memristor crossbars.Preview PDF -
[Nature Electronics], 2018
H. Jiang†, C. Li†, et al., Provable Key Destruction with Large Memristor Crossbar. Preview PDF
3. A.I./Machine learning hardware accelerators and precision analog computing.
We build high-precision analog computing platforms and efficient AI accelerators, addressing key challenges like device non-ideality, precision, and peripheral circuit overhead (ADC).
References:
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[Nature Communications], 2025
H. Hong, … C. Li, N. Wong, Memristor-based adaptive analog-to-digital conversion for efficient and accurate compute-in-memory. -
[Nature Communications], 2025
J. Yang, R. Mao, … C. Li, A. Basu, Efficient Nonlinear Function Approximation in Analog Resistive Crossbars for Recurrent Neural Networks. -
[Science], 2024
W. Song, … C. Li, … J. J. Yang, Programming memristor arrays with arbitrarily high precision for analog computing. -
[Nature Communications], 2022
R. Mao, B. Wen, … C. Li, Experimentally validated memristive memory augmented neural network with efficient hashing and similarity search. Open Access PDF -
[Nature Communications], 2018
C. Li, et al., Efficient and self-adaptive in-situ learning in multilayer memristor neural networks. Open Access PDF -
[IMW], 2020
C. Li, et al., CMOS-integrated nanoscale memristive crossbars for CNN and optimization acceleration. PDF -
[Nature Machine Intelligence], 2019
C. Li, et al., Long short-term memory networks in memristor crossbars. Preview PDF -
[Nature Machine Intelligence], 2019
Z. Wang†, C. Li†, P. Lin†, et al., In situ training of feedforward and recurrent convolutional memristor networks. Preview PDF -
[Nature Electronics], 2019
Z. Wang†, C. Li†, et al., Reinforcement learning with analog memristor arrays. Preview PDF
Funding Support
We gratefully acknowledge the support from the following agencies:
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| Croucher Foundation | Research Grants Council | Inno & Tech Commission | NSFC |
| Innovation Award | TRS, CRF, GRF, JRS, ECS | MHKJFS, InnoHK | Excellent Young Scientists Fund |


