Coherent nanophotonic neural networks with adaptive molecular systems (C05)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433682494

The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate fundamental building blocks for optical artificial neural networks based on coherent nanophotonic circuits. The implementation of effective nonlinear photo-responsive systems has emerged as a primary challenge for novel realizations of optical neural networks for deep-learning applications. By comparing different systems, considering both optical-computing and computer-science aspects, a variety of requirements for nanophotonic neural networks will be determined. Crucial challenges in achieving light-matter interaction at the microscale that is strong enough to yield the nonlinear optical behaviour required for activation functions in optical neural networks will be addressed.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1459: Intelligent Matter – From responsive to adaptive nanosystems
• Major Instrumentation: supercontinuum white light fiber laser
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Benjamin Risse; Professor Dr. Carsten Schuck