Optical data processing using structural non-linearity

A device (1) and method for processing data comprises at least one input layer (2), at least one modulation layer (3), and at least one output layer (4). The input layer (2) is configured to receive at least one carrier signal (Sc). The modulation layer (3) comprises input data. The modulation layer (3) is configured to modulate the carrier signal (Sc) such, that a modulated carrier signal (Smc) comprising the input data being linearly transformed is generated. The device (1) is configured such, that the modulated carrier signal (Smc) is repeatedly modulated with the input data and linearly transformed, wherein an output signal (So) comprising output data is produced at the output layer (4), and wherein the output data comprises or consists of the input data being nonlinearly processed.