Pixelated liquid-crystal light valve for neural network application

The liquid-crystal light valve (LCLV) is a useful component for performing integration, thresholding, and gain functions in optical neural networks. I ntegration of the neural activation channels is implemented by pixelation o f the LCLV, with use of a structured metallic layer between the photoconduc tor and the liquid-crystal layer. Measurements are presented for this type of valve, examples of which were prepared for two specific neural network i mplementations. The valve fabrication and measurement were carried out at t he State Optical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia, and the modeling and sy stem applications were investigated at the Institute of Microtechnology, Ne uchatel, Switzerland. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.