Abstract

We have recently described an optically scanning correlator using a rotating grating.¹ We now report a real-time programmable optical correlator using an addressable liquid crystal television (LCTV). We show that the angular orientation and spatial carrier frequency of the grating can be implemented with an LCTV controlled by a microcomputer. To alleviate the inherent carrier frequency of the LCTV, the spectra of the grating should be optically enlarged so that the spacing between the different orders is adequately separated. By varying the angular orientation and the spatial frequency of the grating, which was written into the LCTV, a mass complex spatial filter can be synthesized. Thus a real-time large capacity electronically addressable optically scanning correlator can be constructed.

© 1987 Optical Society of America