Comparison of Models for Training Optical Matrix Multipliers in Neuromorphic PICs

We experimentally compare simple physics-based vs. data-driven neural-network-based models for offline training of programmable photonic chips using Mach-Zehnder interferometer meshes. The neural-network model outperforms physics-based models for a chip with thermal crosstalk, yielding increased testing accuracy. © 2021 The Author(s)