A Real-Time Optical Image Processing System

C R Petts; L C Laycock; M W McCall

doi:10.1117/12.941418

13 August 1984 A Real-Time Optical Image Processing System

C R Petts, L C Laycock, M W McCall

Proceedings Volume 0465, Spatial Light Modulators and Applications I; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.941418
Event: 1984 Los Angeles Technical Symposium, 1984, Los Angeles, United States

Abstract

This paper describes initial work on the design and application of a versatile optical image processor based on the combination of degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) and an optically addressed spatial light modulator. This has demonstrated for the first time a processor which can be both programmed and addressed in real-time and which through the use of a low power HeNe laser, has enabled an appreciable reduction in the size and power requirements of such a system. The combination of SLM and DFWM technologies enables a number of processing operations to be implemented. The light valve can be used both as a means of implementing incoherent to coherent image conversion and for certain preprocessing operations such as contrast modification and image subtraction. Degenerate four wave mixing is an all-optical phenomenon whereby three input waves mix within a non-linear medium to generate a fourth wave. By spatially modulating two of the input waves, and including Fourier transforming elements, the output wave can, under certain conditions, represent the correlation product of the two inputs. The design specification for the processor and progress towards its practical implementation will be considered. An assessment of the performance of the system will be described and initial results for both phase conjugate imaging and pattern recognition (for simple test images) will be given.

Citation Download Citation

C R Petts, L C Laycock, and M W McCall "A Real-Time Optical Image Processing System", Proc. SPIE 0465, Spatial Light Modulators and Applications I, (13 August 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.941418

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