# A Laser Spiking Neuron in a Photonic Integrated Circuit

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.08516 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.08516/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 15 Dec 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Dynamic Precision Analog Computing for Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.06365/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

There has been a recent surge of interest in the implementation of linear operations such as matrix multipications using photonic integrated circuit technology. However, these approaches require an efficient and flexible way to perform nonlinear operations in the photonic domain. We have fabricated an optoelectronic nonlinear device--a laser neuron--that uses excitable laser dynamics to achieve biologically-inspired spiking behavior. We demonstrate functionality with simultaneous excitation, inhibition, and summation across multiple wavelengths. We also demonstrate cascadability and compatibility with a wavelength multiplexing protocol, both essential for larger scale system integration. Laser neurons represent an important class of optoelectronic nonlinear processors that can complement both the enormous bandwidth density and energy efficiency of photonic computing operations.