Abstract

To implement a parallel optical digital computer, in addition to the two variables, multiple variable optical logic gates are needed. One way to implement a generalized multiple variable optical logic device is to use an optical programmable logic array. We propose a new method to realize a medium scale, compact, and free-space optical programmable logic array. Using either a 2-D or an array of 1-D optical spatial light modulators inside a lens-based multiple-beam path cavity, an array of optical multiple variable logic product (AND gate) term is generated. This device, together with a programmable multiple variable logic OR matrix, can be used to implement any Boolean combinatorial logic operations. For an optical binary combinatorial logic computation, the proposed methods efficiently use 3-D space and optical elements. Preliminary experimental results obtained using an inexpensive liquid-crystal TV are included.

© 1988 Optical Society of America