Partitionable Diffractive Neural Networks for Multifunctional Optical Operations

Abstract: Diffractive neural network (DNN), which can perform machine learning tasks based on the light propagation and diffraction, has recently emerged as a promising optical computing paradigm due to its high parallel processing speed and low power consumption nature. However, existing diffractive network architectures face challenges in implementing functional reconfiguration. Once a diffractive neural network is fabricated, its functionality is fixed. Deploying such systems for different tasks typically requires reconstructing the entire physical setup, which significantly compromises hardware efficiency in practical applications. In this work, we propose the multifunctional partitionable diffractive neural networks (PDNNs) that can generate networks with additional capabilities by stacking multiple sub-modules with independent functions in the horizontal direction. Each submodule functions as an independent diffractive network capable of performing specific imaging or classification tasks. When these submodules are combined, they can form a new network with additional functionalities. Moreover, assembling these submodules in different configurations enables structures with diverse functions. This powerful PDNN framework demonstrates remarkable advantages in flexibility and reconfigurability for multitask operations, opening a new pathway for realizing multifunctional and integrated optical artificial intelligence systems.