Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new type of artificial neuron that utilizes lasers to transmit information via graded signals. This innovation allows for significantly faster data processing compared to traditional spiking neurons, potentially revolutionizing fields like AI and edge computing.
The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universeEngaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviewsScientists have developed a new kind of laser-based artificial neuron that mimics a biological nerve cell.
This artificial neuron could boost high-speed computing and Artificial neurons mimic nerve cells by activating once they hit a certain information threshold. When a biological neuron takes in enough of the right type of information, it generates an electrical pulse to communicate with nearby neurons. Similarly, artificial neurons process and transmit computational information only once they take in a certain amount of relevant electronic data. Existing artificial neurons, which are known as photonic spiking neurons, mimic biological spiking neurons by responding to these input signals with all-or-nothing, on-and-off spikes. But the way in which the neurons receive those input signals means that, for a short time after each spike, they cannot respond to new inputs. This brief reset period puts a speed limit on computations performed with artificial spiking neurons. But the new artificial neurons transmit information via"graded" signals with variable intensity. In the new study, published Dec. 19, 2024 in the journal, researchers used a graded neuron system to surpass spiking neurons' speed limit. Much like a biological graded or"non-spiking" neuron, the laser-based system generated increasingly strong output signals in response to consecutive stimuli, so it didn't need the same reset period as the spiking neurons. As a result, the new artificial neuron transmitted data up to 100,000 times faster than artificial spiking neurons.which processes time-dependent data. They used this system to scan 700 heartbeat samples for arrhythmia. The reservoir processed these heartbeats at a speed of 100 million heartbeats per second — much faster that spiking neural networks can. The new system detected arrhythmic patterns with more than 98% accuracy. In a separate experiment, the system analyzed and classified handwritten numbers at a rate of nearly 35 million digits per second with 92% accuracy."With powerful memory effects and excellent information processing capabilities, a single laser graded neuron can behave like a small neural network," study co-authorConnecting multiple graded neurons could offer even greater computing power."In this work, we used a single laser graded neuron, but we believe that cascading multiple laser graded neurons will further unlock their potential, just as the brain has billions of neurons working together in networks," Huang said.Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors "Our technology could accelerate AI decision-making in time-critical applications while maintaining high accuracy," Huang added."We hope the integration of our technology into edge computing devices — which process data near its source — will facilitate faster and smarter AI systems that better serve real-world applications with reduced energy consumption in the future." Skyler Ware is a freelance science journalist covering chemistry, biology, paleontology and Earth science. She was a 2023 AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellow at Science News. Her work has also appeared in Science News Explores, ZME Science and Chembites, among others. Skyler has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Caltech.Why is DeepSeek such a game-changer? Scientists explain how the AI models work and why they were so cheap to build.
ARTIFICIAL NEURONS LASER TECHNOLOGY COMPUTING SPEED AI EDGE COMPUTING
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The fastest growing job sector is AI, report saysThe top two jobs were artificial intelligence engineer and artificial intelligence consultant.
Read more »
Spiking Neurons: A New Path to More Energy-Efficient AI?AI applications like ChatGPT are energy-intensive due to their reliance on standard artificial neural networks. A recent study suggests that spiking neurons, which mimic the way biological neurons communicate, could offer a more energy-efficient alternative. While training spiking neurons has been challenging in the past, this new research indicates that standard training methods may be adaptable to these networks, paving the way for more sustainable AI development.
Read more »
'Ding-dong:' A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbellNeuroscientists have identified that the receptor IL-1R1 plays a critical role in enabling neurons to directly communicate with the immune system. The new study provides the most detailed mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, clarifying prior inconsistencies.
Read more »
Plant-based breakthrough boosts water-based zinc batteries’ performance in coldThe zinc battery breakthrough uses the konjac plant – a root vegetable which is native to China and is considered to be rich in fiber.
Read more »
Scientists Identify Neurons in Mice That Can Induce Hibernation-Like StateResearchers have discovered neurons in mice that, when activated, can alter the body's metabolic rate and induce a state similar to hibernation. This groundbreaking finding was achieved by stimulating the hypothalamus preoptic area in the brain using ultrasound.
Read more »
Scientists 'mimic real biological processes' using synthetic neuronsA new collaboration has unlocked new potential for the field by creating a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons.
Read more »