Optical neural network using Kerr-type nonlinear materials

An innovative optical implementation of a feedforward artificial neural network is presented using Kerr-type nonlinear optical materials. Many Kerr-type materials have ultrafast response times and allow both weighted connections and nonlinear neuron processing to be implemented using only thin layers of Kerr-type material separated by free space. Nonlinear neuron processing results from the nonlinear Kerr-type effect (self-focusing or self-defocusing) and interference of the optical signals within the device. In addition, the Kerr effect is used to create optical connections by applying patterns of irradiance to thin layers of the nonlinear media. This is a result of a variation of the refractive index profile of the nonlinear media in response to the applied irradiance.