Asymmetrical estimator for training encapsulated deep photonic neural networks

Yizhi Wang, Minjia Chen, Chunhui Yao, Jie Ma, Ting Yan, Richard Penty and Qixiang Cheng ()
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Yizhi Wang: University of Cambridge
Minjia Chen: University of Cambridge
Chunhui Yao: University of Cambridge
Jie Ma: GlitterinTech Limited
Ting Yan: GlitterinTech Limited
Richard Penty: University of Cambridge
Qixiang Cheng: University of Cambridge

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Photonic neural networks (PNNs) are fast in-propagation and high bandwidth paradigms that aim to popularize reproducible NN acceleration with higher efficiency and lower cost. However, the training of PNN is known to be challenging, where the device-to-device and system-to-system variations create imperfect knowledge of the PNN. Despite backpropagation (BP)-based training algorithms being the industry standard for their robustness, generality, and fast gradient convergence for digital training, existing PNN-BP methods rely heavily on accurate intermediate state extraction or extensive computational resources for deep PNNs (DPNNs). The truncated photonic signal propagation and the computation overhead bottleneck DPNN’s operation efficiency and increase system construction cost. Here, we introduce the asymmetrical training (AsyT) method, tailored for encapsulated DPNNs, where the signal is preserved in the analogue photonic domain for the entire structure. AsyT offers a lightweight solution for DPNNs with minimum readouts, fast and energy-efficient operation, and minimum system footprint. AsyT’s ease of operation, error tolerance, and generality aim to promote PNN acceleration in a widened operational scenario despite the fabrication variations and imperfect controls. We demonstrated AsyT for encapsulated DPNN with integrated photonic chips, repeatably enhancing the performance from in-silico BP for different network structures and datasets.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57459-5

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