Nonlinear resonator networks: from complex optics to advanced computing and sensing

Coupled systems with multiple interacting degrees of freedom provide a fertile ground for emergent dynamics, which is otherwise inaccessible in their solitary counterparts. Particularly, nonlinearity and non-equilibrium dynamics enable new opportunities in coupled photonic systems that are not present in their linear and equilibrium counterparts that can have profound consequences in sensing and computing. In this talk, I will overview recent experimental progress on accessing such dynamics in time-multiplexed networks of nonlinear resonators towards computing and sensing applications. I will present demonstrations of topological dissipation, non-equilibrium spectral phase transitions, topological mode-locked lasers, non-Hermitian topologically enhanced sensing, and photonic cellular automata. I will also overview the progress on integrated optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) and their networks in lithium niobate (LN) nanophotonics for classical and quantum information processing applications. Last, I will discuss the recent demonstration of neuromorphic computing in nanophotonic OPOs, as well as the demonstration of all-optical computing beyond 100 GHz.