Real-time optical spike-timing dependent plasticity in a single VCSEL with dual-polarized pulsed optical injection

• Published in: Science China. Information sciences Vol. 63; no. 6; p. 160405
• Main Authors: Xiang, Shuiying, Han, Yanan, Guo, Xingxing, Wen, Aijun, Han, Genquan, Hao, Yue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Science China Press 01.06.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Computer Science; Continuous radiation; Controllability; Dual polarization (waves); Information Systems and Communication Service; Neural networks; Neurons; Plastic properties; Power consumption; Real time; Research Paper; Spin dynamics; Vertical cavity surface emission lasers; dual polarized pulsed optical injections; vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser; optical spike-timing dependent plasticity; artificial intelligent systems; neuromorphic photonic system
• ISSN: 1674-733X; 1869-1919
• DOI: 10.1007/s11432-020-2820-y

We propose and numerically realize an optical spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) scheme by using a single vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). In the scheme, the VCSEL is subjected to an orthogonally-polarized continuous-wave optical injection (OPCWOI) and dual-polarized pulsed optical injections (DPPOI). Based on the widely used spin-flip model, the response spiking dynamics of VCSEL is numerically studied, and then the optical STDP in a single VCSEL is explored. The roles of bias current, the strength of OPCWOI and DPPOI, and the frequency detuning on the optical STDP curve are numerically analyzed. It is found that, by simultaneously utilizing the response spiking dynamics in two orthogonal polarization modes, an optical STDP could be achieved by using a single VCSEL. Furthermore, the weight update of STDP curve can be calculated in real-time. Additionally, the STDP curves can also be controlled by adjusting some controllable parameters. The real-time optical STDP based on a single VCSEL is numerically realized for the first time, which paves the way towards fully VCSELs-based photonic neuromorphic systems with low power consumption.