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Smart-pixel spatial light modulator for incorporation in an optoelectronic neural network
Optics Letters
|October 28, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a novel liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator for ART-1 neural processors. This device functions as a dynamic weight matrix, enabling efficient optoelectronic computation.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Optoelectronic neural processors require efficient weight matrices for computation.
- Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are key components in optical computing systems.
- Liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) technology offers potential for high-resolution SLMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and test a novel LCoS-based SLM.
- To implement this SLM as a weight matrix for an ART-1 neural processor.
- To evaluate the performance characteristics of the developed SLM.
Main Methods:
- Design of a 50 x 83 element LCoS array with integrated photodetectors, threshold circuits, and memory elements.
- Fabrication of pixels with dimensions of 75 microm x 75 microm.
- Testing of the SLM's switching behavior, contrast ratio, and response times.
Main Results:
- The SLM array features pixels that can be switched between ON and OFF states based on light input.
- Achieved a contrast ratio of 20:1.
- Demonstrated switch-on and switch-off times of approximately 500 microseconds.
Conclusions:
- The novel LCoS SLM is suitable for use as a weight matrix in ART-1 optoelectronic neural processors.
- The device exhibits promising performance metrics for optical computing applications.
- Further characterization of device uniformities and interpixel coupling was performed.
