Photonics for artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing
This is an incremental review paper that discusses photonic computing as a complementary approach to extend AI capabilities, particularly for applications requiring low latency.
The paper reviews integrated photonic neuromorphic systems, highlighting their potential to address the growing demand for machine learning and AI in areas like medical diagnosis and telecommunications by offering ultrafast neural networks with sub-nanosecond latencies.
Research in photonic computing has flourished due to the proliferation of optoelectronic components on photonic integration platforms. Photonic integrated circuits have enabled ultrafast artificial neural networks, providing a framework for a new class of information processing machines. Algorithms running on such hardware have the potential to address the growing demand for machine learning and artificial intelligence, in areas such as medical diagnosis, telecommunications, and high-performance and scientific computing. In parallel, the development of neuromorphic electronics has highlighted challenges in that domain, in particular, related to processor latency. Neuromorphic photonics offers sub-nanosecond latencies, providing a complementary opportunity to extend the domain of artificial intelligence. Here, we review recent advances in integrated photonic neuromorphic systems, discuss current and future challenges, and outline the advances in science and technology needed to meet those challenges.