Holographic photonic neuron

The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) to process complex datasets has brought about innovative computing paradigms. While recent developments in quantum-photonic computing have reached significant feats, mimicking our brain's ability to recognize images are poorly integrated in these ventures. Here, I incorporate orbital angular momentum (OAM) states in a classical Vander Lugt optical correlator to create the holographic photonic neuron. The photonic neuron can memorize an array of matched filters in a phase-hologram, which is derived by linking OAM states with elements in the array. Successful correlation is independent of intensity and yields photons with OAM states, which can be used as a transmission protocol or qudits for quantum computing. The unique OAM identifier establishes the photonic neuron as a fundamental AI device for pattern recognition that can be scaled and integrated with other computing platforms to build-up a neuromorphic quantum-photonic processor that mimics the brain.