Abstract
The principles underlying optical correlators and Fourier transform optical memories are well understood. The components and materials they depend upon are gradually becoming available, bringing these technologies closer to commercialization. As efforts are made to obtain the best possible performance from these systems it becomes increasingly important to understand how their detailed operation differs from simple idealized models. Spatial light modulators (SLMs) used in correlators display sets of discrete data rather than continuous 2D functions, and the optical Fourier transform of these SLMs is influenced by the shape and fill-factor of the SLM's pixels. As a consequence, optical correlators perform a function that is more complex than the simple idealized correlation operation. The performance of Fourier transform optical memories is similarly affected. Here we investigate the operation of such optical systems incorporating pixelated SLMs. Examples are presented which highlight differences between the functions actually performed by these systems and the simple conceptual models of their operation. The output of these systems is commonly detected using pixelated CCD or CMOS imagers, the effect of imager pixel fill-factor is also examined.
Published Version
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