Real-time optical image processing by synthesis of the coherence function using real-time holography

Abstract

We have proposed an optical information processing technique by synthesis of the optical coherence function utilizing direct frequency modulation of a laser diode. In the former system, however, a silver halide holographic plate was used, so wet developing process was required. In this letter, real-time holography is adopted by using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, which enables real-time processing. This system does not require any mechanically moving part nor electrical calculation in the processing procedure. Selective extraction of a 2-dimensional image from a 3-dimensional object is successfully demonstrated in real-time.