Q&A with Dinel Anthony

What project are you working on?

Currently I am working on using photochromic materials to create non-volatile photonic memory for use in a photonic neural network. My first step in this work is using inverse design to create a multimode interferometer using slot waveguides, which to our knowledge has not yet been realized. Once the device is integrated into a photonic neural network, I will focus on characterizing the response of the photochromic material under various conditions, specifically looking at its properties at cryogenic temperatures. These works will hopefully culminate into a fully realized all-optical non-volatile photonic network.

What problem(s) are you aiming to address through your research?

One of the issues plaguing photonic networks is the volatility of the weight banks, as they require a constant power supply to maintain their weight. This process is both expensive to operate, and bulky as the electrical connections occupy a large part of the photonic chips, thus reducing the scalability of the chips and making them more expensive to fabricate. Photochromic materials propose a solution to both of these problems at once by removing the need for electrical connections as their photochromic properties are activated by distinct wavelengths of light. The photochromics can maintain their state without external stimuli allowing for non-volatile storage. Furthermore, current multimode interferometers are bulky, which can be significantly reduced through inverse design optimization.

What inspired you to pursue this program of study?

My first experience with photonics came from a Co-op position I took during my undergraduate studies where I was exposed to the application of photonics in security design. Working with the designers, fabrication team, and assisting with analysis showed me that there were endless applications to be realized in photonics. Photonic computing shows a lot of promise in being the next step in the technological revolution, making it an interesting field to pursue. My main inspiration lies in helping shape the field with the contributions I make with my research.