Project description
Light and sound stimulate the senses of an acousto-optic biomimetic neural network
In silico representations of biological neural networks have improved machines' ability to perform tasks such as image and speech processing, decision making and learning through experience. However, the physical architectures underlying computer processing impose limitations on processing time and efficiency. Optical versions could be a way to overcome some of these barriers. Photonic neurosynaptic networks hold the promise of high speed and high bandwidth inherent to optical systems. The EU-funded FAST project is developing acousto-optic modulators to act as synapses that will split the information in an optical signal into multiple channels and recombine them at the receiver end. Ultimately, scientists plan to demonstrate the technology in a self-learning optical neurosynaptic network.
Objective
Efforts are being made to develop bio-inspired optical neuro-synaptic networks to support “neuromorphic computing” for ultra-fast communication. The idea is to split the information of an optical signal using an “acousto-optic modulator” (synapse) into multiple signals. The signals are then communicated through multiple parallel channels similar to neurons and recombined at the receiver end by using another acousto-optic modulator. Such neuro-synaptic networks are targeted for less than 100 mW power budget and greater than 100 GHz communication bandwidths which are currently hindered by the performance of the piezoelectric transducer used in the acousto-optic modulators. It generates high-frequency acoustic waves inside the attached waveguide which act as dynamic optical gratings offering periodic modification of the refractive index of the medium through which the light is traveling. To solve this issue, the applicant proposes exploring optically birefringent ferroelectrics with strong elasto-optic coefficients as stand-alone acousto-optic modulators. The project aims for the development of a CMOS compatible 100 GHz-THz range ferroelectric acousto-optic modulator (FAOM) and it's integration in a self-learning neuro-synaptic network. The applicant will unite his expertise in materials engineering and photo-ferroelectrics with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven’s (KUL) and IBM’s knowledge of the integration and characterization of neuromorphic networks with the following objectives:
1. Growth of CMOS compatible strain-engineered BaTiO3 (BTO) heterostructures.
2. Fabrication and characterization of two CMOS integrated ferroelectric (BTO) acousto-optic modulator designs based on (2.1) photo-induced acoustic strain gradients by optical control of ferroelectric domains and (2.2) acoustic confinement.
3. Demonstration of FAOM-based self-learning optical convolution neuro-synaptic network.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.