Boolean logic gates implemented by a single photonic neuron based on a semiconductor Fano laser

Abstract

We propose and numerically demonstrate a high-speed photonic neuron model using a single semiconductor Fano laser (FL) under electrical modulation that can mimic the Class 1 and Class 3 neuronal dynamics. In this model, the unwanted relaxation oscillation found in the spiking dynamics of conventional semiconductor lasers can be suppressed by the formation of a Fano mirror. The Boolean logic operations are tested based on the dynamics of the photonic neuron combined with the all-or-none law and time encoding method, which are the key properties of biological neurons. The results show that the Boolean logic gates can be successfully implemented in the proposed photonic neuron. Importantly, as a unique type of microscopic laser, the FL has the potential to develop integrated neuromorphic photonic computing systems.