Numerical Implementation of Wavelength-Dependent Photonic Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity Based on VCSOA

Abstract

We propose to realize photonic spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) by using a vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifier (VCSOA) subject to dual optical pulse injections. The computational model of the photonic STDP is presented for the first time based on the well-known Fabry–Perot approach. Through numerical simulations, the dependences of photonic STDP on the bias current of VCSOA and the input powers are analyzed carefully. Besides, the effect of the initial wavelength detuning on the photonic STDP is also explored. It is found that, the current scheme requires much lower bias current and input power to obtain controllable STDP curve when compared with the previously reported photonic STDP circuits; the initial wavelength detuning is an effectively controllable parameter to realize wavelength-dependent photonic STDP. The computational model of the photonic STDP based on a VCSOA is interesting and valuable for numerically simulating of large-scale photonic spiking neural network, and provides a guideline to design low power consumption photonic neuromorphic systems.