Simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory dynamics in an excitable laser

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Photonics
• Optical Computing

Background:

• Neocortical systems process information using electrochemical spike timings.
• Learning and memory rely on precise action potential timing, inducing synaptic changes.
• Incorporating inhibition into optical spike processing can enhance information capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory dynamics in an excitable laser neuron.
• To investigate the effects of bias strength, inhibitory strength, and input timing on these dynamics.
• To explore the potential of graphene excitable lasers for neuromorphic photonic systems.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations using an integrated graphene excitable laser platform.
• Proof-of-principle experiments with a fiber-based graphene excitable laser.
• Direct modulation of laser gain to introduce inhibition.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory dynamics in the laser neuron.
• Analysis of how bias strength, inhibitory strength, and input timing influence dynamics.
• Experimental validation of numerical findings.

Conclusions:

• Graphene excitable lasers can exhibit both excitatory and inhibitory dynamics, mirroring biological neurons.
• This technology offers a pathway for developing advanced neuromorphic photonic systems.
• The findings open possibilities for novel optical spike-processing functionalities.