Fig. 4

Different optical elements and systems for implementing optical matrix multiplication. a Optical matrix multiplication (OMM) implementation based on MZI cascade system. b OMM implementation based on wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) system. c OMM implementation based on attenuator array. d OMM implementation based on free-space diffractive metasurfaces. e OMM implementation based on integrated metalines (consists of subwavelength diffractive units). f Mathematical representation visually displays of the physical inferring process of optical neural networks based on 4f system or diffractive elements