Optoelectronic implementations of Pulse-Coupled Neural Networks : challenges and limitations

Abstract

This thesis examines Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNNs) and their applications, and the feasibility of a compact, rugged, cost-efficient optoelectronic implementation. Simulation results are presented. Proposed optical architectures are discussed and analyzed. A new optoelectronic PCNN architecture is also presented. Tradeoffs of optical versus electronic implementations of PCNNs are discussed. This work combines concepts from optical information processing and pulse-coupled neural networks to examine the challenges, limitations, and opportunities of developing an optoelectronic pulse coupled neural network. The analysis finds that, despite advances in optoelectronic technology, fully electronic implementations will still outperform today's proposed optoelectronic implementations in cost, size, flexibility, and ease of implementation.