Optical Computing Systems, Materials, and Devices

Abstract

The advancement in optical computing is impaired by a lack of development of optical computing devices leading to successful optical computing systems. In our special section published in March 1999,1 we aspired for more works in devices such that realistic optical systems might come to fruition. A similar concern was voiced recently, in the SPIE conference on Photonic Devices and Algorithms III held in San Diego.23 Therefore, this special section is a step toward addressing the needs in Optical Computing Systems, Materials, and Devices. The papers in our special section are broadly organized into three groups: (1) analysis and simulation of optical computing devices and systems; (2) implementation of optical computing systems; and (3) optical device characterization and optical materials.