  The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) to process complex datasets has
brought about innovative computing paradigms. While recent developments in
quantum-photonic computing have reached significant feats, mimicking our
brain's ability to recognize images are poorly integrated in these ventures.
Here, I incorporate orbital angular momentum (OAM) states in a classical Vander
Lugt optical correlator to create the holographic photonic neuron. The photonic
neuron can memorize an array of matched filters in a phase-hologram, which is
derived by linking OAM states with elements in the array. Successful
correlation is independent of intensity and yields photons with OAM states,
which can be used as a transmission protocol or qudits for quantum computing.
The unique OAM identifier establishes the photonic neuron as a fundamental AI
device for pattern recognition that can be scaled and integrated with other
computing platforms to build-up a neuromorphic quantum-photonic processor that
mimics the brain.
