Fully non-linear neuromorphic computing with linear wave scattering

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• Clara Wanjura, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany
• Monday 11 November 2024, 14:30-15:00
• Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92447982065?pwd=RkhaYkM5VTZPZ3pYSHptUXlRSkppQT09.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Dr Sun-Woo Kim.

The increasing size of neural networks for deep learning applications and their energy consumption create a need for alternative neuromorphic approaches, for example, using optics. Current proposals and implementations rely on physical nonlinearities or optoelectronic conversion to realise the required nonlinear activation function. However, there are considerable challenges with these approaches related to power levels, control, energy efficiency and delays.

In my talk, I will present a scheme [1] for a neuromorphic system that relies on linear wave scattering and yet achieves nonlinear processing with high expressivity. The key idea is to encode the input in physical parameters that affect the scattering processes. Moreover, we show that gradients needed for training can be directly measured in scattering experiments. We propose an implementation using integrated photonics based on racetrack resonators, which achieves high connectivity with a minimal number of waveguide crossings. Our work introduces an easily implementable approach to neuromorphic computing that can be widely applied in existing state-of-the-art scalable platforms, such as optics, microwave and electrical circuits.

[1] C.C. Wanjura, F. Marquardt. Nat Phys 20, 1434–1440 (2024).

This talk is part of the Lennard-Jones Centre series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• Hanchen DaDaDash
• Lennard-Jones Centre
• Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92447982065?pwd=RkhaYkM5VTZPZ3pYSHptUXlRSkppQT09

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