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Optical neuron using polarisation switching in a 1550nm-VCSEL
Antonio Hurtado1, Ian D Henning, Michael J Adams
1School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK. ahurt@essex.ac.uk
Optics Express
|December 18, 2010
Summary
Researchers created a novel neuron mimic using a 1550 nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). This device uses polarization switching for all-optical threshold operations, mimicking neuronal responses to stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Computational Neuroscience
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Neurons process information using electrical and chemical signals.
- Mimicking neuronal functions optically offers potential for high-speed, low-power computing.
- Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) exhibit unique polarization dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel optical approach for mimicking basic neuron functionalities.
- To demonstrate all-optical threshold operations using VCSEL polarization switching.
- To explore the use of VCSELs as artificial neurons.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a 1550 nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL).
- Inducing polarization switching (PS) via polarized optical injection.
- Performing positive and negative all-optical threshold operations.
- Using external optical injection into orthogonal polarizations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated all-optical threshold operations (positive and negative).
- Successfully mimicked neuron response to excitatory and inhibitory stimuli.
- Used emitted light polarization to determine VCSEL-Neuron state (active/inactive).
Conclusions:
- A new method to optically replicate neuron functionalities was established.
- VCSELs can serve as building blocks for optical neural networks.
- Polarization switching in VCSELs provides a viable mechanism for neuromorphic computing.
