Abstract

This paper deals with the design of numerical optical computing systems using a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) as the active element. In particular the innovation of optical image guides as information transmission agents is considered. In the past optical logic gates (Fatehi, 1981) and flip-flops(Gerlach, 1980) have been demonstrated along with coupled sequential circuits (Cheval, 1983). These have used lenses and mirrors as the information transmission agents and holograms for information routing. Image guides can have an information carrying capacity at least equal to that of simple lenses, and with much higher energy collection and transmission capability. There is also an ease of alignment afforded by flexible image guides.

© 1985 Optical Society of America