Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise

Probabilistic machine learning is an emerging paradigm which harnesses controllable random sources to encode uncertainty and enable statistical modeling. The pure randomness of quantum vacuum noise, fluctuation of electromagnetic fields even in the absence of a photon, has been utilized for high spe...

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Main Author: Choi, Seou
Other Authors: Soljačić, Marin
Format: Thesis
Published: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2024
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/156146
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3730-2152
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author Choi, Seou
author2 Soljačić, Marin
author_facet Soljačić, Marin
Choi, Seou
author_sort Choi, Seou
collection MIT
description Probabilistic machine learning is an emerging paradigm which harnesses controllable random sources to encode uncertainty and enable statistical modeling. The pure randomness of quantum vacuum noise, fluctuation of electromagnetic fields even in the absence of a photon, has been utilized for high speed and energy-efficient stochastic photonic elements. Nevertheless, the experimental demonstration of photonic probabilistic computing hardware has remained elusive so far, due to the lack of programmable stochastic optical elements which can implement probabilistic machine learning algorithms. Here, we implement a photonic probabilistic computer consisting of a programmable stochastic photonic element, which we refer to as a photonic probabilistic neuron (PPN). We implement this PPN using a biased optical parametric oscillator, which utilizes quantum vacuum noise to generate a tunable probability distribution controlled by a bias field. We then implement a measurement-and feedback scheme for time-multiplexed PPNs in electronic processors (FPGA or GPU) to solve certain probabilistic machine learning tasks. We showcase how we can encode probabilistic behavior in two representative models of machine learning, discriminative and generative models, by showcasing probabilistic inference and image generation of MNIST-handwritten digits. While solving these probabilistic machine learning tasks, quantum vacuum noise works as a random source which can encode classification uncertainty in inference and enable probabilistic generation of samples. Furthermore, we propose a path toward an all-optical probabilistic computing platform. We estimate the sampling rate of the PPN as ∼ 1 Gbps and energy consumption as ∼ 5 fJ/MAC. Our work paves the way for scalable, ultrafast, and energy-efficient probabilistic machine learning hardware.
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spelling mit-1721.1/1561462024-08-15T03:47:08Z Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise Choi, Seou Soljačić, Marin Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Probabilistic machine learning is an emerging paradigm which harnesses controllable random sources to encode uncertainty and enable statistical modeling. The pure randomness of quantum vacuum noise, fluctuation of electromagnetic fields even in the absence of a photon, has been utilized for high speed and energy-efficient stochastic photonic elements. Nevertheless, the experimental demonstration of photonic probabilistic computing hardware has remained elusive so far, due to the lack of programmable stochastic optical elements which can implement probabilistic machine learning algorithms. Here, we implement a photonic probabilistic computer consisting of a programmable stochastic photonic element, which we refer to as a photonic probabilistic neuron (PPN). We implement this PPN using a biased optical parametric oscillator, which utilizes quantum vacuum noise to generate a tunable probability distribution controlled by a bias field. We then implement a measurement-and feedback scheme for time-multiplexed PPNs in electronic processors (FPGA or GPU) to solve certain probabilistic machine learning tasks. We showcase how we can encode probabilistic behavior in two representative models of machine learning, discriminative and generative models, by showcasing probabilistic inference and image generation of MNIST-handwritten digits. While solving these probabilistic machine learning tasks, quantum vacuum noise works as a random source which can encode classification uncertainty in inference and enable probabilistic generation of samples. Furthermore, we propose a path toward an all-optical probabilistic computing platform. We estimate the sampling rate of the PPN as ∼ 1 Gbps and energy consumption as ∼ 5 fJ/MAC. Our work paves the way for scalable, ultrafast, and energy-efficient probabilistic machine learning hardware. S.M. 2024-08-14T20:10:54Z 2024-08-14T20:10:54Z 2024-05 2024-07-10T12:59:31.163Z Thesis https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/156146 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3730-2152 In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted Copyright retained by author(s) https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/ application/pdf Massachusetts Institute of Technology
spellingShingle Choi, Seou
Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title_full Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title_fullStr Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title_full_unstemmed Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title_short Photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
title_sort photonic probabilistic machine learning using quantum vacuum noise
url https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/156146
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3730-2152
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