Pattern recognition in multi-synaptic photonic spiking neural networks based on a DFB-SA chip

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) utilize brain-like spatiotemporal spike encoding for simulating brain functions. Photonic SNN offers an ultrahigh speed and power efficiency platform for implementing high-performance neuromorphic computing. Here, we proposed a multi-synaptic photonic SNN, combining the modified remote supervised learning with delay-weight co-training to achieve pattern classification. The impact of multi-synaptic connections and the robustness of the network were investigated through numerical simulations. In addition, the collaborative computing of algorithm and hardware was demonstrated based on a fabricated integrated distributed feedback laser with a saturable absorber (DFB-SA), where 10 different noisy digital patterns were successfully classified. A functional photonic SNN that far exceeds the scale limit of hardware integration was achieved based on time-division multiplexing, demonstrating the capability of hardware-algorithm co-computation.