Novel photonic devices for optical neural networks

用于光神经网络的新型光子器件

• 批准号: 2597128
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University of York
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2021 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2597128
• 关键词: Novel; photonic; devices; optical; neural

The project will start by developing a single pixel as the fundamental building block of an optical neural network system. The pixel will consist of a grating structure supporting a guided mode resonance that acts as a reflector. By realising the grating in an electro-optically tunable material such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), the reflectivity can be controlled electrically. The particular challenge is to control the material parameters using our in-house sputtering system and design the device structure such that either the amplitude or the phase of the beam can be modulated. Here, the student will benefit from the body of existing work on guided mode resonances developed for sensing applications; for example, we are now able to detect refractive index changes of Dn<10-5, which means that similarly small electro-optically induced index changes will lead to a noticeable modulation of the beam, opening the prospect for low-power and high-speed operation.The project incorporates design and simulation, materials research and fabrication as well as structural and optical characterisation, which gives the student the satisfaction of being in charge of all relevant elements of their research. The student will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary team and be exposed to a range of related research areas offering exciting cross-fertilisation opportunities regarding materials, devices (incl. modelling), nanofabrication and applications. They will also be exposed to industrial reality through our regular meetings with Optalysys, a local SME who are commercialising a similar optical neural network system.

该项目将从开发单个像素作为光学神经网络系统的基本构建块开始。该像素将由支持导模谐振的光栅结构组成，该结构充当反射器。通过用氧化铟锡（ITO）等电光可调材料实现光栅，可以电控制反射率。特别的挑战是使用我们的内部溅射系统控制材料参数并设计设备结构，以便可以调制光束的振幅或相位。在这里，学生将受益于为传感应用开发的导模共振的现有工作；例如，我们现在能够检测到 Dn<10-5 的折射率变化，这意味着同样小的电光感应折射率变化将导致光束的明显调制，从而为低功率和高功率器件开辟了前景。该项目结合了设计和模拟、材料研究和制造以及结构和光学表征，这让学生对负责其研究的所有相关要素感到满意。学生将成为充满活力的跨学科团队的一员，并接触一系列相关研究领域，提供有关材料、设备（包括建模）、纳米制造和应用的令人兴奋的交叉机会。他们还将通过我们与 Optalysys 的定期会议了解工业现实，Optalysys 是一家当地中小企业，正在将类似的光学神经网络系统商业化。