Broadcast and Weight: An Integrated Network For Scalable Photonic Spike Processing

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 32; no. 21; pp. 4029 - 4041
• Main Authors: Tait, Alexander N., Nahmias, Mitchell A., Shastri, Bhavin J., Prucnal, Paul R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-11-2014
• Subjects: Computer architecture; Neurons; Optical fiber networks; Optical receivers; Optical waveguides; Photonics; Wavelength division multiplexing; system analysis and design; optical interconnects; photonic integrated circuits; spiking neural networks; WDM networks; optical computing; network topology; neuromorphics; Asynchronous circuits
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2014.2345652

We propose an on-chip optical architecture to support massive parallel communication among high-performance spiking laser neurons. Designs for a network protocol, computational element, and waveguide medium are described, and novel methods are considered in relation to prior research in optical on-chip networking, neural networking, and computing. Broadcast-and-weight is a new approach for combining neuromorphic processing and optoelectronic physics, a pairing that is found to yield a variety of advantageous features. We discuss properties and design considerations for architectures for scalable wavelength reuse and biologically relevant organizational capabilities, in addition to aspects of practical feasibility. Given recent developments commercial photonic systems integration and neuromorphic computing, we suggest that a novel approach to photonic spike processing represents a promising opportunity in unconventional computing.