Abstract

We describe a joint Fourier transform image correlator that employs thresholding at both the input plane and the Fourier plane. This suggests using a single binary spatial light modulator (SLM) to read in sequentially the binarized input signal and the binarized Fourier transform interference intensity. The performance of the single SLM joint Fourier transform correlator (JTC) is compared with that of the classical JTC in the areas of correlation peak intensity, peak-to-sidelobe ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and correlation width. We know that the single SLM JTC outperforms the classical JTC in all such areas. Using a single binary SLM results in a significant reduction in cost, size, and complexity of the system.

© 1988 Optical Society of America