Brain-inspired photonic computing for efficient next-generation telecommunications networks

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Upcoming socio-economical advances in the context of the Internet of Things, big data networks, and smart applications are placing stress on current information and communication technology infrastructure. Such demands are reaching the limit of conventional technological solutions, implying a need for novel concepts in order to process data at scale. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are a brain-inspired machine learning paradigm that is especially suited for parallel computing and pattern recognition, offering a processing acceleration of several orders of magnitudes. Photonic RNNs promise a versatile platform for speed of light data processing comparable in accuracy with classical software approaches, at a reduced footprint and power consumption. However, current implementations are often lacking in terms of computational power, system simplicity, or processing speed, due to the need for electro-optical conversion. In the proposed project, we will, together with our industrial partner Huawei Canada, focus on three main objectives to overcome such limitations: (i) the first demonstration of a functional photonic neuromorphic platform exploiting multiple degrees of freedom for information processing at unprecedented speeds, (ii) its real-world application towards telecommunications data processing, and (iii) the development of an efficient and compact prototype. We aim to utilize on-chip nonlinear components to target the tasks of nonlinear channel equalization and signal regeneration. The envisioned prototype will, for the first time, reveal the full potential of photonic RNNs suitable for large-scale production. The project outcome will benefit the Canadian market through the training of highly-qualified personnel (HQP) in the uniquely combined fields of integrated photonics and machine learning, with the potential for the HQP to become future leaders in both industry and academia. The commercialization of our technology will strengthen the role of Canada in the high-tech sectors of human-machine interaction and telecommunications, thus paving the way to cope with the demands of upcoming high-density transmission standards such as 6G and 400 Gb/s systems.