Abstract

Numerous applications have been envisioned for spatial light modulators in optical information processing and computing systems [1, 2]. These applications can be summarized within the context of a generalized optical information processor or computer as shown schematically in Fig. 1 [2]. The principal functional roles of both one- and two-dimensional spatial light modulators include those of format, input, output, CPU, and memory devices. In addition, spatial light modulators can be effectively utilized to provide certain types of feedback interconnections, as for example in the case of optical crossbar switches and holographically encoded weighted interconnections.

© 1988 Optical Society of America