Retrospective on the Jena LIGHT Conference 2024 – Photonics Meets AI

The first conference in the upcoming conference edtion Jena LIGHT, funded and facilitated by the profile line LIGHT of the University of Jena was devoted to the topic "Photonics meets AI". It was held at the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) in Jena from September 3 to 6, 2024 and was a resounding success, drawing around 200 attendees from 20 countries and over 20 companies. Organized by the ACP team, in collaboration with the DFG International Research Training Group Meta-Active, the DFG Collaborative Research Center NOA, and the CZS Nexus groups MetaNN and SINABSE, the conference quite hit the nail as a vibrant hub for several emerging hot topics at the intersection of photonics and artificial intelligence.

Aim of the Conference

To truly push the capability of future neuromorphic photonic systems for facilitating AI, there is an immediate need for developing neural network architectures and machine learning algorithms that can best utilize the underlying physics of the photonic systems, especially their high dimensionality. In this regard, there is an urgent need to bring together the expertise of computer scientists active in the field of AI and machine learning with the research communities of neuromorphic photonics and quantum information. 

The conference "Jena LIGHT – Photonics meets AI" particularly aimed to bring together world-leading researchers in the field of neuromorphic photonic systems, quantum photonic technologies, nanooptics, and computer science, to explore and discuss the current challenges and future potentials in the field of neuromorphic photonics. With this perspective, the topics of interest included, but were not limited to:

• Diffractive and integrated photonic neural networks
• High-dimensional photonic information processing
• Machine-learning and other computational methods (also with the potential) for training and design of photonic neuromorphic systems
• Photonic quantum information processing platforms with potential application for neuromorphic photonic realizations
• Quantum machine learning and quantum neural networks
• Photonic reservoir computing

Within these topics, different aspects on the physics, fabrication, characterization, and programming of relevant photonic hardware platforms and also relevant computational and design methods were included in the scope of the conference.

A Hub for Leading Minds in Photonics and AI

Even though being announced only on short notice, the conference brought together world-renowned experts from academia and industry, fostering a unique environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Attendees included researchers, industry representatives, and emerging talent, all eager to explore the rapidly evolving fields of neuromorphic photonic systems, quantum photonic technologies, and nanooptics. The event emphasized the importance of integrating advanced AI algorithms with photonic systems to unlock new potentials in speed, efficiency, and energy consumption.

Key Themes and Highlights

The conference featured a rich program of keynote speeches, technical sessions, poster presentations, and interactive discussions. Highlights included:

• Innovative Talks and Keynotes: Esteemed speakers, such as Aydogan Ozcan from UCLA and Yaron Bromberg from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, presented groundbreaking research on topics like programming light diffraction for information processing and quantum communication with high-dimensional entangled photons. These talks underscored the transformative potential of merging AI with photonics.
• Exploring the Future of Neuromorphic Photonics: Sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in developing neuromorphic photonic systems that mimic neural network architectures. Discussions delved into how these systems can offer unparalleled computational speed and efficiency, addressing critical needs in AI applications.
• Bridging Industry and Academia: The event provided a platform for industry leaders and academic researchers to share insights and explore collaborative opportunities. The presence of companies from the photonics and AI sectors, for example Intel and Nokia, highlighted the current interest in commercializing these advanced technologies.
• Engaging Social Events: Beyond the technical sessions, the conference included engaging social events, such as a Thuringian barbeque, a historical tour of Jena’s contributions to optics, and opportunities to explore state-of-the-art research labs. These activities facilitated deeper connections among participants, blending professional networking with a rich cultural experience.

A Historic Setting for Future-Focused Discussions

Jena, known as Europe’s city of light, served as the perfect backdrop for this conference. The city’s deep-rooted history in optics and photonics, dating back to the pioneering work of Abbe, Zeiss, and Schott, provided a symbolic setting that connected the past with the future. The venue, the Abbe Center of Photonics, further underscored Jena’s commitment to being at the forefront of photonic research and innovation.

Looking Forward

The success of "Jena LIGHT – Photonics meets AI" demonstrates the growing momentum in the fields of photonics and artificial intelligence. By bringing together a diverse group of thought leaders, the conference not only highlighted the current state of the art but also sparked ideas for future research and technological advancements. As we reflect on this event, it is clear that the collaboration between photonics and AI is just beginning to unlock its full potential.

We look forward to future editions of this conference by other members of the University of Jena, continuing to foster innovation and partnerships that will shape the future of technology. All members of LIGHT can suggest topics and themes for the upcoming Jena LIGHT conference 2025, for which funding is also available: www.uni-jena.de/248402/foerdermoeglichkeiten-der-profillinie-light. de 

Thanks to Our Participants and Sponsors

All organizers of the conference extend their gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and sponsors who made this conference possible. Your contributions were invaluable in making this a truly memorable event.

Stay tuned for updates on future events, and we hope to welcome you back to Jena soon!