Pump ellipticity controlled spiking dynamics of QD spin-VCSELs

We evaluate optically injected Quantum Dot spin Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (QD spin-VCSELs) as a platform for realizing high-speed photonic spiking neurons. We study numerically the generation and inhibition of spikes of dual state optically pumped QD spin-VCSELs under the influence of pump ellipticity. The principles and working mechanism of the neuron are explored, emphasizing the role of pump ellipticity on the existence of an activation threshold for spiking. By appropriately configuring these levels, we reveal firing rate up to 5 GHz based on a temporal characteristics analysis on spiking activity. Our results highlight the potential of QD spin-VCSELs for advanced photonic spike processing functionalities.