Abstract

The parallel and rapid processing of optical computing can be exploited for the high-speed reconstruction of computed tomography images. Our system implements the filtered backprojection algorithm using an incoherent optical system for the backprojection. A video camera integrates the filtered backprojections, and the reconstructed image can be directly displayed on a video monitor. The filtering operation can alternatively be performed by a heterodyne space-integrating acoustooptic convolver, a surface acoustic wave filter, or a digital finite impulse response filter. We present images reconstructed by our system, discuss system performance, and compare the different filtering methods. In connection with a fast CT scanner our system makes the real-time observation of dynamic events possible.

© 1987 Optical Society of America