Multichannel optical correlator/convolver utilizing the magnetooptic spatial light modulator

Abstract

The paper describes a multichannel correlator/convolver architecture utilizing an acoustooptic light modulator for the one dimensional channel and a magnetooptic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) for the second two-dimensional parallel channel. The MOSLM allows greater parallelism to be implemented in this correlator/convolver design than was previously reported. The implementation of 24 parallel channels with a 48 x 48 device is demonstrated. Experimental data are presented and the ways of increasing the number of parallel channels using commercially available MOSLMs and other previously discussed techniques, such as frequency multiplexing, are discussed. It is shown that over 2000 parallel channels are possible at 32-bit accuracy. A technique for obtaining a limited gray scale is also discussed.