Abstract

A class of associative memories involving global linear transformations, local non-linearities and feedback will be discussed. The general structure of an optical memory of this type is shown in Figure 1. It consists of two major components: An optical system, lumped as a volume holographic element in the figure, and a two dimensional array of optical threshold units. The volume hologram provides global communication to the threshold elements through the optical feedback path. Information is stored in the optical interconnection network and the threshold elements provide access to the optical memory by associative addressing.

© 1985 Optical Society of America