Adaptable optical neural network system

An optical processing apparatus, comprising:

• an optical input that provides an optical signal from an optical sensor that produces the optical signal as a direct observation of a surrounding environment, the optical signal being an analog light wave;
• an optical neural network (ONN) operably connected with the optical input, the ONN configured to perform optical processing on the optical signal according to a deep learning algorithm, wherein the ONN includes optical components arranged into layers to form a physical architecture of the ONN, wherein the optical input provides the optical signal into the ONN via an optical relay to maintain the optical signal as the analog light wave from acquisition into the ONN;
• a chassis component including at least one modular mounting location;
• and
• a modular network component mounted in the at least one modular mounting location, wherein the modular network component and the ONN function together to implement a revised version of the deep learning algorithm by altering the physical architecture.