The photoneuron: a dynamically reconfigurable information processing control element utilizing embedded fiber waveguide interconnects

Andrew S. Glista

doi:10.1117/12.2321726

1 December 1991 The photoneuron: a dynamically reconfigurable information processing control element utilizing embedded fiber waveguide interconnects

Andrew S. Glista

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1563, Optical Enhancements to Computing Technology; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2321726
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The term "photoneuron" describes an electro—optic hardware element which permits an optical implementation of the postulated information transfer processes of the neurons in the human brain. The photoneuron provides a dynamic activation and control mechanism for highly parallel computers and permits immediate implementation of reconfigurable high speed optical interconnects. The suggested method for interconnecting processors in a photoneuronic network consists of embedded optical fibers in composite materials to form optical backplanes utilizing "smart skin" technology. This method eliminates the environmental concerns and technological barriers posed by free space optics and integrated optics, while providing a sound engineering approach leading to the all optical computer. This paper briefly reviews the physiological activity of neurons in the human brain. Optical analogies for processor activation in neural networks corresponding to the nerve impulse activation in the brain are then described. The paper then suggests the utilization of optical signal parameters and encoding to emulate the information exchange of neurotransmitters provided by first and second messenger molecular activity across the synaptic "connections" of neurons in the brain. This represents a departure from most neural networks which dwell on threshold processor activation and ignore the exceedingly complex molecular information exchange mechanisms of the brain. Digital, analog, and combinatorial alternatives are described.

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Andrew S. Glista "The photoneuron: a dynamically reconfigurable information processing control element utilizing embedded fiber waveguide interconnects", Proc. SPIE 1563, Optical Enhancements to Computing Technology, (1 December 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2321726

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KEYWORDS

Waveguides

Neurons

Optical components

Analog electronics

Neural networks

Signal processing

Photodetectors

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