A microlens-array-based optical neural network application

Abstract

We have designed and are currently constructing a recurrent neural network with 16 × 16 fully interconnected channels and an optical feedback loop. We have mainly used diffractive microlens arrays instead of bulk achromats for illumination, imaging and fan-in. We report on the advantages of this approach, design considerations and first experimental results with various original and replicated microlens arrays.