A neural network that operates at the speed of light

A team of researchers at the University of California has developed a novel kind of neural network--one that uses light instead of electricity to arrive at results. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their ideas, their working device, its performance, and the types of applications they believe could be well served by such a network. Deep learning networks are computer systems that "learn" by looking at many examples of data types and then use patterns that develop as a way to make interpretations of new data. Like all other computers, they run on electricity. In this new effort, the researchers have found a way to create a deep learning network that does not use electricity at all--instead, it uses light.