title: Neural networks within multi-core optic fibers.
abstract: Hardware implementation of artificial neural networks facilitates real-time parallel processing of massive data sets. Optical neural networks offer low-volume 3D connectivity together with large bandwidth and minimal heat production in contrast to electronic implementation. Here, we present a conceptual design for in-fiber optical neural networks. Neurons and synapses are realized as individual silica cores in a multi-core fiber. Optical signals are transferred transversely between cores by means of optical coupling. Pump driven amplification in erbium-doped cores mimics synaptic interactions. We simulated three-layered feed-forward neural networks and explored their capabilities. Simulations suggest that networks can differentiate between given inputs depending on specific configurations of amplification; this implies classification and learning capabilities. Finally, we tested experimentally our basic neuronal elements using fibers, couplers, and amplifiers, and demonstrated that this configuration implements a neuron-like function. Therefore, devices similar to our proposed multi-core fiber could potentially serve as building blocks for future large-scale small-volume optical artificial neural networks.
authors.affiliation: Life Science Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.|Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.|Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel.
authors.forename: Dror
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Malka
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shemer
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors.forename: Asaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shahmoon
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors.forename: Zeev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zalevsky
authors.affiliation: Life Science Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.|The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: London
mesh_terms: D003199:Computer Systems; D004867:Equipment Design; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000379:methods*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D055100:Optical Fibers; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide