Abstract

A digital waveform synthesizer driven by a BBC microcomputer has been used to generate both the forward and time-reversed signal inputs required for twin Bragg cell space-integrating correlators. The cross-correlation functions of the two signals have also been computed digitally, and the optical and digital correlation are compared. The digital and optical correlation functions are found to be in generally good agreement. Best results are obtained using a nonheterodyning correlator in which the inputs to the Bragg cells are double-sideband large carrier modulations of the signal on an rf carrier. A significant difference is observed between this case and the suppressed carrier case, in which the correlation function is compressed in time by a factor of 2.

© 1987 Optical Society of America