Abstract

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are generally pixeled structures with less than the full area of the pixel responding to the input signal. This inactive area, or dead zone, leads to distortions in optical correlator performance due to increased noise when the correlator uses SLMs in the input and filter planes. The problem is studied through computer simulation and by a closed form mathematical analysis. Three different correlation filter types are analyzed. Results are presented in the form of output SNR as a function of percent dead zone area.

© 1988 Optical Society of America