The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that implements a photonic neuron. This photonic neuron includes: an excitatory-input photo detector that converts an optical excitatory input signal into a corresponding electrical excitatory input signal; and an inhibitory-input photo detector that converts an optical inhibitory input signal into a corresponding electrical inhibitory input signal. It also includes an electrical neuron that receives the electrical excitatory and inhibitory input signals, and generates an electrical output signal, which includes periodic voltage spikes that are triggered by integration of the electrical excitatory and inhibitory input signals. Finally, the photonic neuron includes a light-emitting output device, which converts the electrical output signal into a corresponding optical output signal.
Implementing a neuromorphic computing system using nanophotonic neurons