Scalability of all-optical neural networks based on spatial light modulators

Abstract:
“Optical implementation of artificial neural networks has been attracting great attention due to its potential in parallel computation at speed of light. Although all-optical deep neural networks (AODNNs) with a few neurons have been experimentally demonstrated with acceptable errors re- cently, the feasibility of large scale AODNNs remains unknown because error might accumulate inevitably with increasing number of neurons and connections. Here, we demonstrate a scalable AODNN with programmable linear operations and tunable nonlinear activation functions. We ver- ify its scalability by measuring and analyzing errors propagating from a single neuron to the entire network. The feasibility of AODNNs is further confirmed by recognizing handwritten digits and fashions respectively.”