Optica Incubator on Optical Implementations of Neural Networks

Optica Incubator on Optical Implementations of Neural Networks

17 - 19 September 2025
Optica Global Headquarters, Washington, DC, USA

Hosts: 

• Demetri Psaltis, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
• Logan Wright, Yale University, USA
• Fei Xia, University of California, Irvine, USA

View the agenda for this incubator here.

Program Overview

Optics for machine learning is a very rapidly evolving area. Topics of interest in this area include computing architectures, learning and training algorithms, niche optical computing applications, and the advantages of optical implementations.

Recent advances in optical processors have demonstrated promising optical implementations for complex computing and machine learning tasks; however, scalability remains a challenge. This incubator meeting will initiate technical and forward-looking discussions on scaling up optical technologies to levels competitive with digital techniques.

Scope and Goals

This incubator will be a highly interdisciplinary meeting that emphasizes participation and discussions from all attendees. Through invited talks, panels, moderated discussion periods, and informal networking, the program for this incubator will explore topics including:

• Optical neural network platforms for scaling: Free-space vs integrated, 2D vs 3D
• Near-term applications and requirements for imaging and sensing, edge computing, and datacenters
• What are the first applications of optical neural networks that may have broad impact?
• What are the missing pieces/devices/components needed for scalable optical neural networks?
• What are the big scientific optical neural networks results we need to see for the field to thrive?

Are you interested in attending?

We welcome requests from individuals who may want to join us at this incubator meeting. Please send a brief letter of interest and a CV to the hosts at incubators@optica.org to request your invitation.

This Incubator is supported in part by:

Meeting Schedule

The program, including breakfasts and lunches, will be held at Optica Global Headquarters, 2010 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Dinners, which are also included in the registration fee, will be held at local restaurants. All times approximate, check back for a detailed agenda.

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

• Welcome dinner, location to be announced, at 18:00 EDT

Thursday, 18 September 2025

• Breakfast begins at 08:00 EDT at Optica Global Headquarters
• Program begins at 08:30 EDT, lunch is included onsite​
• Networking dinner, at Optica Global Headquarters, begins at 18:00 EDT

Friday, 19 September 2025

• Breakfast begins at 08:00 EDT at Optica Global Headquarters
• Program begins at 08:30 EDT, lunch is included onsite​
• Adjourn at 14:00 EDT

Additional Information

This page will provide you with information on receiving a letter of invitation if required for your visa, as well as additional logistical and area information.