Abstract

In this paper it is shown that the formal mathematical description of a quite general, multiplane, coherent, optical processor can always be reduced to an iterative Fourier transform and multiply procedure. In order to write the system description in this manner, only suitable notational changes are needed. The principal advantage of this alternate form is that more tractable models result for system synthesis. In particular, one may investigate the feasibility of performing any given linear operation in an optical processor system by exploring the realizability through simple Fourier transform and multiply operations. Examples of current processors, including ambiguity functions, and advanced processor concepts are given.

© 1979 Optical Society of America

Iterative color-multiplexed, electro-optical processor

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One-dimensional linear coherent processing using a single optical element

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