Abstract

A real-time programmable joint transform correlator (PJTC) utilizing a magnetooptic device (MOD) with a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) is presented. Object functions to be correlated are written into a light MOD with a programmable microcomputer as input signals. Real-time correlation takes place with a LCLV, as a square-law detector, with a coherent read out. Cross correlation between the input functions can be obtained through the inverse Fourier transform of the read-out coherent illumination. A brief discussion of the proposed PJTC and a few experimental results are provided.

© 1985 Optical Society of America