Pulse Generator for All-Optical Neurons

An optical pulse generator based on photorefractive effect and optical bistability is proposed for applications in all-0ptical pulse coupled neural networks. The novel device employs the dynamic memory function of photorefractive crystal and the regenerative pulsation property of optical bistable devices (OBDs). It consists of a photorefractive crystal, and OBD and an optical feedback loop. It takes the advantage of the high sensitivity of photorefractive devices, and the high response speed of optical bistable devices. In the Phase I stage, the main effort will be concentrated on visible-band neurons using ferroelectric oxide crystals and nonlinear interference filters (NLIFs). In a possible Phase II program, device integration and interconnection will be investigated and prototyped.