Resonate-and-Fire Photonic-Electronic Spiking Neuron with a Photo-Detecting Resonant Tunnelling Diode

As the popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow exponentially, so does the demand for efficient and fast (state-of-the-art) computing hardware. Neuromorphic (brain-inspired) systems, specifically in photonics, have the capability to improve processing for AI by leveraging the low operating powers and inherent high-speed of lasers and opto-electronic devices. Several different neuronal models exist for artificial neurons, and one opto-electronic device that has shown promise in realising spike-based neuronal functionality is the resonant tunnelling diode (RTD) [1]. Thresholding, refractoriness, and integration have been achieved with RTDs (optically and electrically), thanks to their non-linear properties. Further, opto-electronic networks and different processing tasks have been proposed in theory by coupling spiking RTDs to lasers and photodetectors [2].