Implementing an Insect Brain Computational Circuit Using III-V Nanowire Components in a Single Shared Waveguide Optical Network.

Recent developments in photonics include efficient nanoscale optoelectronic components and novel methods for subwavelength light manipulation. Here, we explore the potential offered by such devices as a substrate for neuromorphic computing. We propose an artificial neural network in which the weighted connectivity between nodes is achieved by emitting and receiving overlapping light signals inside a shared quasi 2D waveguide. This decreases the circuit footprint by at least an order of magnitude compared to existing optical solutions. The reception, evaluation, and emission of the optical signals are performed by neuron-like nodes constructed from known, highly efficient III-V nanowire optoelectronics. This minimizes power consumption of the network. To demonstrate the concept, we build a computational model based on an anatomically correct, functioning model of the central-complex navigation circuit of the insect brain. We simulate in detail the optical and electronic parts required to reproduce the connectivity of the central part of this network using previously experimentally derived parameters. The results are used as input in the full model, and we demonstrate that the functionality is preserved. Our approach points to a general method for drastically reducing the footprint and improving power efficiency of optoelectronic neural networks, leveraging the superior speed and energy efficiency of light as a carrier of information.

Impact of interface roughness distributions on the operation of quantum cascade lasers.

We study the impact of interface roughness on the operation of mid-IR and THz quantum cascade lasers. Particular emphasis is given towards the differences between the Gaussian and exponential roughness distribution functions, for which we present results from simulation packages based on nonequilibrium Green's functions and density matrices. The Gaussian distribution suppresses scattering at high momentum transfer which enhances the lifetime of the upper laser level in mid-IR lasers. For THz lasers, a broader range of scattering transitions is of relevance, which is sensitive to the entire profile of the interface fluctuations. Furthermore we discuss the implementation of interface roughness within a two band model.

Microscopic approach to second harmonic generation in quantum cascade lasers.

Second harmonic generation is analyzed from a microscopical point of view using a non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. Through this approach the complete on-state of the laser can be modeled and results are compared to experiment with good agreement. In addition, higher order current response is extracted from the calculations and together with waveguide properties, these currents provide the intensity of the second harmonic in the structure considered. This power is compared to experimental results, also with good agreement. Furthermore, our results, which contain all coherences in the system, allow to check the validity of common simplified expressions.